ENTREPRENEUR Graeme Carling has signalled major expansion plans following the acquisition of two Scottish businesses.

Mr Carling acquired Alliance Electrical in Forfar and troubled business services firm McGill last year and has re-launched his investment company United Capital as the parent of both businesses.

United will now focus on a strategy to acquire UK building services and facilities management companies with a collective turnover of £300 million in the next three years.

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McGill has also appointed Douglas Thomson as managing director who joins after 19 years in a similar role with Aberdeenshire-based CHAP Group.

McGill was rescued from administration in Marc and it has recently won several multi-million-pound contracts.

It was appointed to deliver work as part of the South West Govanhill Acquisition and Repair programme, funded by the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

Mr Carling said “the opportunities to consolidate the fragmented UK building services sector are plentiful”.

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He said on the appointment: “We went through a lengthy and rigorous selection process and I am confident that we have found the right person.

“Douglas is an exceptionally qualified and experienced managing director who will utilise his vast knowledge to ensure the further development of McGill through the next phase of growth, he will have my full support and that of our board. I am excited for what we will achieve in 2020 and beyond.”

Mr Thomson, a civil engineer professional, is tasked with building on the turnaround of McGill which saw over 70 employees recruited into the business and the opening of Glasgow and Aberdeen depots in 2019.

Mr Thomson said said he is “looking forward to the challenge”, adding: “The company achieved a lot in the nine months since Graeme Carling saved it and I will look to build on this immediately. The team at McGill are some of the best in the sector and I am certain we will continue to grow the business.”