More than 440 jobs were lost when Dundee-based McGill entered administration in February before it was rescued in March by entrepreneur Carling.

The firm has started the New Year by announcing the appointment of Douglas Thomson as its new managing director.

A vastly experienced industry expert, Thomson joins McGill having spent 19 years as managing director of Aberdeenshire-based CHAP Group.

McGill owner and current CEO, Graeme Carling, said: “I am delighted to have Douglas join us at this important and exciting time. When I bought McGill I always said my position as CEO was temporary but that I would remain at the helm until we found the ideal candidate, this business needs a strong and capable leader. 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.”

Douglas Thomson

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

Speaking of his appointment, Thomson said: “McGill is a well-known and well-respected name in the industry, and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“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.”

In December, Graeme Carling announced that he had completed his second company purchase of 2019 by acquiring Forfar-based Alliance Electrical.

Re-launched as the parent company of both Alliance Electrical and McGill, United Capital has outlined a strategy to acquire UK-based building services and facilities management companies with a collective turnover of £300 million in the next three years.

Graeme Carling, in his capacity as United Capital CEO, added: “The opportunities to consolidate the fragmented UK building services sector are plentiful and United Capital will identify and acquire well-performing companies in this sector.

“The appointment of a new MD at McGill allows me to focus on driving activity at our group level and focus on getting the deals done. We are actively engaged and at advanced legal stages with companies with a collective turnover of over £50m and these are all expected to complete in the first half of 2020.”