Under Spencer Thomson's management, the company expanded to include industry investments, including Barrow Shipbuilding Co., Appleby Iron Co., and Hematite Iron Co, as well as to the Copenhagen-based shipbuilders and engineers, Burmeister & Wain. Additionally, properties were added to Standard Life’s portfolio, despite weaknesses in the property market in the 1870's. Spencer Thomson was keen to foster the company's presence globally, and had influence on the company's presence in Canada, India, China, the West Indies, and began to establish a presence within mainland Europe, with agents appointed in both Belgium and Copenhagen.
