United Capital https://www.united-capital.co.uk Transitioning to sustainability in the built environment Sat, 21 Oct 2023 11:16:30 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-United_Capitalflav-1-32x32.jpg United Capital https://www.united-capital.co.uk 32 32 Why are investment firms focussing on environmental factors? https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2023/08/07/why-are-investment-firms-focussing-on-environmental-factors/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:08:25 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6332 By integrating environmental considerations into their investment strategies, these firms can manage risks, attract clients, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible financial industry.

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Why are investment firms focussing on environmental factors?

Investment companies are increasingly focusing on the environmental impact of their investments for several reasons, driven by a combination of financial, ethical, and regulatory factors:

  1. Risk Mitigation: Investment firms recognize that companies with poor environmental practices face various financial risks, including regulatory fines, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. By evaluating and mitigating these risks, investment companies can protect their clients’ assets.
  2. Regulatory Pressure: Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly implementing environmental regulations and disclosure requirements. Investment companies need to stay in compliance with these regulations, or they risk legal and financial consequences. Additionally, sustainable investment options often align with regulatory goals, such as achieving climate targets.
  3. Growing ESG Investing Demand: There is a rising demand from investors for sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious investment options. By offering ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments, investment companies can attract more clients and assets under management.
  4. Long-Term Sustainability: Investment firms recognize that environmental sustainability is essential for the long-term viability of companies and industries. Sustainable practices can contribute to long-term profitability, making environmentally conscious investments more attractive.
  5. Reputational Benefits: Focusing on environmental impact can enhance an investment firm’s reputation and brand. Investors increasingly want to be associated with firms that align with their values, and those that prioritize sustainability are seen as responsible stewards of capital.
  6. Competitive Advantage: Investment companies that proactively integrate environmental considerations into their investment strategies can gain a competitive advantage by identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in sustainable industries.
  7. Risk-Return Profile: Some environmentally responsible investments can offer competitive risk-return profiles. Sustainable companies may demonstrate better financial performance in the long run, making them attractive from a purely financial perspective.
  8. Diversification: Investments in environmentally responsible sectors can provide diversification benefits, reducing the overall risk in an investment portfolio.
  9. Ethical and Moral Considerations: Investment companies may have ethical or moral responsibilities to align their investments with broader societal and environmental goals. Many investors, including institutional ones, expect their investments to reflect their values.
  10. Global Environmental Challenges: Awareness of climate change and other environmental challenges has increased significantly. Investment firms recognize the urgent need to address these issues, and they play a vital role by channeling capital towards solutions and responsible practices.
  11. Innovation and Technological Advancements: Investment in environmentally conscious companies can drive innovation and technological advancements, which can lead to new opportunities for growth and profit.

In summary, investment companies are focusing on the environmental impact of their investments because it aligns with a variety of financial, ethical, and regulatory imperatives. By integrating environmental considerations into their investment strategies, these firms can manage risks, attract clients, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible financial industry.

Why are investment firms focussing on environmental factors?

By integrating environmental considerations into their investment strategies, these firms can manage risks, attract clients, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible financial industry.

The importance of decarbonising the existing UK built environment

Decarbonizing the existing built environment in the UK is essential for reducing carbon emissions, meeting climate targets, improving energy efficiency, and reaping various economic, health, and environmental benefits.

Invest in decarbonising your business to access the strength and stability of a group

Building services companies must invest in decarbonisation to meet rising demand and the criteria of decarbonisation investment groups, says United Capital

There is no ‘default setting’ when you’re constantly moving and improving

,
At United Capital there is no default setting; we're always moving forward, and UC22 was the catalyst for much change, says M&A Director Leanne Carling...

United Capital’s apprentices lead the way entrepreneurial spirit as they set up an Apprentice Board

,
United Capital’s apprentices lead the way with collaboration, communication, and entrepreneurial spirit, by creating an Apprentice Board

United Capital closes UC22 with announcement of next annual leadership conference UC23

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

Senior appointments announced at Saltire FM as company celebrates second anniversary of joining United Capital

,
Top Scottish gas, electrical and heating services business Saltire Facilities Management are today celebrating the second anniversary since joining fast-growing decarbonisation and building services investment business, United Capital and are announcing the appointment of three new company directors.

United Capital annual leadership conference becomes carbon neutral

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

United Capital appoints facilities management industry expert as Non-Executive Chairman of Operations Group

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building and home services sector and decarbonising the existing built environment, has appointed John Reynolds as Non-Executive Chairman of it’s management business, United Capital Operations Group.

The post Why are investment firms focussing on environmental factors? appeared first on United Capital.

]]> The importance of decarbonising the existing UK built environment https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2023/07/03/the-importance-of-decarbonising-the-existing-uk-built-environment/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:26 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6326 Decarbonizing the existing built environment in the UK is essential for reducing carbon emissions, meeting climate targets, improving energy efficiency, and reaping various economic, health, and environmental benefits.

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The importance of decarbonising the existing UK built environment

Decarbonizing the existing built environment in the UK is crucial for several reasons, primarily aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change. Here are some key reasons why this is important:

  1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Buildings are a significant source of carbon emissions, primarily due to energy consumption for heating, cooling, and electricity. Decarbonizing buildings involves improving energy efficiency and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, which can substantially reduce these emissions.
  2. Meeting Climate Targets: The UK, like many other countries, has set ambitious climate targets to reduce carbon emissions. Achieving these targets requires addressing the built environment because buildings are responsible for a substantial portion of the country’s emissions. Decarbonization is essential to meet these targets and avoid the worst consequences of climate change.
  3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Decarbonizing buildings often involves making them more energy-efficient. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also leads to cost savings for building owners and occupants through lower energy bills. It’s a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy.
  4. Health and Well-being: Building decarbonization can improve indoor air quality and overall comfort, contributing to the health and well-being of occupants. This is especially important given that people spend the majority of their time indoors.
  5. Job Creation and Economic Opportunities: The transition to a low-carbon built environment can create jobs in areas such as construction, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. It can also stimulate innovation and investment in sustainable technologies and practices.
  6. Resilience to Climate Change: By making buildings more energy-efficient and less reliant on fossil fuels, the UK’s built environment becomes more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and flooding, are expected to increase, and resilient buildings are better equipped to withstand these challenges.
  7. International Leadership: The UK can set an example for other nations by taking proactive steps to decarbonize its built environment. Leadership in this area can influence global efforts to combat climate change and inspire other countries to follow suit.
  8. Long-term Sustainability: Decarbonizing the built environment is a long-term investment in sustainability. It helps ensure that future generations have access to energy-efficient, low-carbon infrastructure and reduces the need for retrofitting older buildings in the future.
  9. Regulatory and Policy Imperatives: The UK government has introduced policies and regulations that promote building decarbonization, such as minimum energy efficiency standards. Compliance with these regulations is necessary to avoid penalties and maintain property values.
  10. Environmental Benefits: In addition to reducing carbon emissions, building decarbonization can have other positive environmental impacts, such as reducing air pollution and decreasing the demand for raw materials, which can help preserve natural resources.

In summary, decarbonizing the existing built environment in the UK is essential for reducing carbon emissions, meeting climate targets, improving energy efficiency, and reaping various economic, health, and environmental benefits. It is a critical component of the country’s efforts to combat climate change and create a sustainable future.

Why are investment firms focussing on environmental factors?

By integrating environmental considerations into their investment strategies, these firms can manage risks, attract clients, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible financial industry.

The importance of decarbonising the existing UK built environment

Decarbonizing the existing built environment in the UK is essential for reducing carbon emissions, meeting climate targets, improving energy efficiency, and reaping various economic, health, and environmental benefits.

Invest in decarbonising your business to access the strength and stability of a group

Building services companies must invest in decarbonisation to meet rising demand and the criteria of decarbonisation investment groups, says United Capital

There is no ‘default setting’ when you’re constantly moving and improving

,
At United Capital there is no default setting; we're always moving forward, and UC22 was the catalyst for much change, says M&A Director Leanne Carling...

United Capital’s apprentices lead the way entrepreneurial spirit as they set up an Apprentice Board

,
United Capital’s apprentices lead the way with collaboration, communication, and entrepreneurial spirit, by creating an Apprentice Board

United Capital closes UC22 with announcement of next annual leadership conference UC23

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

Senior appointments announced at Saltire FM as company celebrates second anniversary of joining United Capital

,
Top Scottish gas, electrical and heating services business Saltire Facilities Management are today celebrating the second anniversary since joining fast-growing decarbonisation and building services investment business, United Capital and are announcing the appointment of three new company directors.

United Capital annual leadership conference becomes carbon neutral

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

United Capital appoints facilities management industry expert as Non-Executive Chairman of Operations Group

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building and home services sector and decarbonising the existing built environment, has appointed John Reynolds as Non-Executive Chairman of it’s management business, United Capital Operations Group.

The post The importance of decarbonising the existing UK built environment appeared first on United Capital.

]]> Invest in decarbonising your business to access the strength and stability of a group https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/09/09/invest-in-decarbonising-your-business-to-win-large-scale-contracts/ Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:11:35 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6282 Building services companies must invest in decarbonisation to meet rising demand and the criteria of decarbonisation investment groups, says United Capital

The post Invest in decarbonising your business to access the strength and stability of a group appeared first on United Capital.

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Decarbonise your business to attract group investment and access large-scale sustainability contracts

by Jo Eismont

Investors in decarbonisation are driving much-needed change across the building services industry in two ways; by investing in companies which are ready to make the switch to working sustainably, and by building groups which are capable of successfully delivering large-scale governmental decarbonisation contracts.

It’s more necessary than ever to come at the decarbonisation challenge from a position of strength, because we are once again in precarious economic times. With the UK on the brink of recession business leaders are under serious pressure to make big decisions, from pausing recruitment to making redundancies, and cutting departmental budgets wherever possible.

In the context of the country’s 2050 net-zero targets, budget-cutting has become even tougher, as each business has its own climate change targets to meet. For business owners, suddenly the sustainability budget begins to look like a nice to have, rather than a must have.

Operational sustainability is table stakes for decarbonisation contracts

But companies in the building services sector don’t have that luxury, as they must shoulder the burden of urgently decarbonising infrastructure. These companies must invest in operational sustainability as a matter of course, as that’s now table stakes for winning decarbonisation contracts. They must also offer clients expertise in an ever-increasing array of renewable technologies, which means constantly investing in upskilling employees.

With that in mind, joining a growing group is a lever business leaders can pull to unlock financial investment, which will support the transition to sustainable operations and delivery. United Capital assesses companies on a range of criteria, and one factor is how far along the sustainability track each company is or – if they are at the very beginning of their journey – how ready and willing they are to shift direction.

With 2050 not that far off, and the status quo being very much not an option, there are ways to maintain your commitment to building a sustainable business, and making your company all the more attractive to a decarbonisation investment groups.

Become a lean green machine

There will be quick and easy ways to lower your costs while boosting your green credentials, such as transitioning your vehicle fleet to electric, or finding more sustainable premises rather than that draughty workshop you’ve put up with for decades. With energy prices rocketing you’ll save a fortune on bills and dramatically shrink your carbon footprint at the same time.

Set your business direction

Renewables and decarbonisation are broad areas of focus, so find your area of expertise and invest in it. Whether you become expert solar panel installers, or become the partner of choice for school building decarbonisation for example, pick an area of focus you can afford to invest in properly. This also gives you a niche as part of an investment group, and you’ll add massive value to that group’s ability to win contracts.

Pull the right levers

Decarbonisation is a quickly-changing field right now, and nobody really knows what the dominant technologies will be in 10, 20, 30 years time, and that makes it incredibly difficult to build a long-term business strategy. Consider the levers you can pull right now, such as understanding your carbon footprint end-to-end, and making changes where you can.

Perhaps the most important lever to pull is that which will give you financial investment to support your commitment to sustainability, both in your operations and your customer offering. Joining a decarbonisation investment group is a path to  governmental contracts which most smaller organisations can’t access, and you’ll more closely meet the criteria by making some simple cost-effective changes to your short-term business strategy.

Why are investment firms focussing on environmental factors?

By integrating environmental considerations into their investment strategies, these firms can manage risks, attract clients, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible financial industry.

The importance of decarbonising the existing UK built environment

Decarbonizing the existing built environment in the UK is essential for reducing carbon emissions, meeting climate targets, improving energy efficiency, and reaping various economic, health, and environmental benefits.

Invest in decarbonising your business to access the strength and stability of a group

Building services companies must invest in decarbonisation to meet rising demand and the criteria of decarbonisation investment groups, says United Capital

There is no ‘default setting’ when you’re constantly moving and improving

,
At United Capital there is no default setting; we're always moving forward, and UC22 was the catalyst for much change, says M&A Director Leanne Carling...

United Capital’s apprentices lead the way entrepreneurial spirit as they set up an Apprentice Board

,
United Capital’s apprentices lead the way with collaboration, communication, and entrepreneurial spirit, by creating an Apprentice Board

United Capital closes UC22 with announcement of next annual leadership conference UC23

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

Senior appointments announced at Saltire FM as company celebrates second anniversary of joining United Capital

,
Top Scottish gas, electrical and heating services business Saltire Facilities Management are today celebrating the second anniversary since joining fast-growing decarbonisation and building services investment business, United Capital and are announcing the appointment of three new company directors.

United Capital annual leadership conference becomes carbon neutral

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

United Capital appoints facilities management industry expert as Non-Executive Chairman of Operations Group

,
United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building and home services sector and decarbonising the existing built environment, has appointed John Reynolds as Non-Executive Chairman of it’s management business, United Capital Operations Group.

The post Invest in decarbonising your business to access the strength and stability of a group appeared first on United Capital.

]]> There is no ‘default setting’ when you’re constantly moving and improving https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/06/16/there-is-no-default-setting-when-youre-constantly-moving-and-improving/ Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:54:39 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6201 At United Capital there is no default setting; we're always moving forward, and UC22 was the catalyst for much change, says M&A Director Leanne Carling...

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It’s been a month since UC22, our United Capital group leadership conference, which took place in Dubai, and as a group, we’re still processing what came out of the time we spent together.

With such a strong group of people in the room, from the most senior leaders to some of our brightest young apprentices, we expected to leave the conference with some great ideas – and we did.

Some are bold and ambitious, some are smaller (but all the easier to implement for it), some are designed to innovate around our processes, and some to improve our communication and problem-solving skills.

Now that we’ve been back at our day jobs for a month, we’re pushing our leaders to make good on these ideas and promises. Accountability is critical to a successfully growing business, and Graeme and I are as tough on ourselves as we are on anyone else – so when we look for progress we expect to see it!

The benefits of UC22 will be long-lasting, and across the group we hope to see everyone interacting differently from now on. Every single conversation that took place helped to build the future of our business forward in some small way, every interaction was an opportunity for better relationships going forward, every idea was the seed of a change that could transform the delivery of a service or product for our 150,000 customers.

The group before the conference was, by definition, different to the group post-event. What I love about United Capital is that we have instilled a culture where there’s no such thing as a baseline or a default setting; we’re constantly improving and moving forward. The problem we solved yesterday will be more easily tackled next time; the last acquisition we made taught us lessons we’ll take onto the next deal; the relationships we built at UC22 will only keep growing and making our group a better place in which to thrive.

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]]> United Capital’s apprentices lead the way entrepreneurial spirit as they set up an Apprentice Board https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/05/23/united-capitals-apprentices-lead-the-way-with-creation-of-apprentice-board/ Mon, 23 May 2022 14:14:25 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6076 United Capital’s apprentices lead the way with collaboration, communication, and entrepreneurial spirit, by creating an Apprentice Board

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Our group conference, UC22, took place last week in Dubai, and one of the major goals of bringing everyone together in a completely different environment was to boost collaboration and supercharge relationships at every level of the business.

We firmly believe that environment is stronger than will, and the intention behind bringing some of the key people from United Capital to Dubai was to make the biggest plans and visions seem possible.

In the earliest planning stages, we decided it was important to take a number of young people from group companies Saltire Facilities Management and McGill to Dubai, to thank them for their hard work and get them on board with the massive growth plans we are developing. We took Ryan, Jack, and Nicola, three of our brightest shining stars, who are all well on their way to success, despite all being younger than 21. They were chosen by their peers and their leaders, and they all thoroughly deserved their place at the table. Our hope was that they would go back to their colleagues, and share with them what’s happening around the business.

What they did went far beyond that; during one of our breakout sessions, these young people made a commitment amongst themselves to set up a shadow apprentice board, which will meet regularly. The group will select a rotating leadership group which will feed back to the United Capital board what’s happening at apprentice level, what they need in terms of development, and what they’d like to see happen next across the group.

When we say that environment is stronger than will this is what we mean – by bringing young people together, who are completely inexperienced at this level of business, they were able to make the leap from just talking to doing – and at great scale.

They’re grabbing the future with their own hands, and if there’s one thing we wanted people to be inspired to do at our conference, that was it. What they’ll all gain from this group can’t be underestimated; they’ll be exposed to the highest levels of the business, find themselves in leadership positions, and be pressed to create business plans and deliver initiatives on time. These young people are not just the future of United Capital, they’re the future of our industry!

We’ve been back at our desks for just a few days, and plans are already in place, and dates are landing in diaries. The shadow apprentice board is set to become a real forum for growth and success, and we’ve no doubt that they’ll hold us to account, as they should! This younger generation at United Capital are gifted communicators and natural collaborators, and that makes the future of our group exciting – with this entrepreneurial spirit right at the heart of our company, we’re already streets ahead of the competition.

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]]> United Capital closes UC22 with announcement of next annual leadership conference UC23 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/05/16/united-capital-closes-uc22-with-announcement-of-next-annual-leadership-conference-uc23/ Mon, 16 May 2022 12:48:00 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6068 United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

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United Capital closes UC22 with announcement of next annual leadership conference UC23

United Capital, the decarbonisation investment company working to make the existing UK built environment more sustainable, has been celebrating their annual leadership conference in Dubai this week. The 1-day event, held in the prestigious Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, in Dubai, ended with company CEO, Graeme Carling, announcing the next leadership conference, UC23.

UC23, the next United Capital leadership conference will take place in October 2023, and will be hosted at the prestigious Higueron Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton, on Spain’s Costa del sol.

In September 2021, United Capital launched a group wide competition to find the employee of the year, Race to Dubai. Winners of the competition, that asked team members to nominate their colleagues, joined senior leaders from across the company at the conference in Dubai, and shortly group CEO Graeme Carling will announce the launch of the next employee of the year competition, where winners will attend UC23 in Spain.

Speaking of UC23 and the imminent launch of the next employee of the year competition, Graeme Carling commented; “We always want to recognise ambition, effort and enthusiasm, and our employee of the year competition gives each member of our teams the chance to nominate either themselves or their colleagues, and the winners, who join us at the annual conference also get the chance to shape the future of our business.”

The post United Capital closes UC22 with announcement of next annual leadership conference UC23 appeared first on United Capital.

]]> Senior appointments announced at Saltire FM as company celebrates second anniversary of joining United Capital https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/05/15/senior-appointments-announced-at-saltire-fm-as-company-celebrates-second-anniversary-of-joining-united-capital/ Sun, 15 May 2022 13:14:00 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6072 Top Scottish gas, electrical and heating services business Saltire Facilities Management are today celebrating the second anniversary since joining fast-growing decarbonisation and building services investment business, United Capital and are announcing the appointment of three new company directors.

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Senior appointments announced at Saltire FM as company celebrates second anniversary of joining United Capital

Top Scottish gas, electrical and heating services business Saltire Facilities Management are today celebrating the second anniversary since joining fast-growing decarbonisation and building services investment business, United Capital and are announcing the appointment of three new company directors.

Two years ago today, during the first Covid lockdown, United Capital completed the acquisition of Saltire into their growing group of building and home services businesses. Saltire, which has continued to grow despite challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, is today celebrating two years as part of the group, with company directors currently in Dubai for United Capital’s annual leadership conference.

Alan Murray is announced as the new Managing Director following the retirement of John Reynolds, and steps up from his current role as Installations Director, a role he has held for several years. In addition to Alan’s new position, Natalie Milne is confirmed as Service Delivery Director, and Scott McFarlane will become the new Finance Director, replacing David Weston following his retirement.

Speaking of the past two years, from Dubai, newly appointed Managing Director, Alan Murray commented; “It would be safe to say that the past two years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. We made the decision to join the United Capital group because we could see the significant value of being part of something bigger. It is great to be in Dubai on this occasion, for our annual conference, we will be celebrating this milestone with the team. I wish to thank my predecessor John for all that he has done for Saltire over the years, and look forward to getting starting in my new role, supported by Natalie and Scott, and the wider team.”

United Capital CEO Graeme Carling added; “It has been a whirlwind two years since United Capital acquired Saltire. I am proud to be able to promote from within to fill these senior positions following the retirement of John and David. It has been fantastic having the team together in Dubai for our conference, and be able to toast Alan, Natalie and Scott’s new positions. The team will have my full support, and that too of the United Capital board.”

United Capital continue to grow by acquisition, having set ambitious targets of reaching £500million in turnover by 2024.

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]]> United Capital annual leadership conference becomes carbon neutral https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/05/09/united-capital-annual-leadership-conference-becomes-carbon-neutral/ Mon, 09 May 2022 09:03:34 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6061 United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference will be carbon neutral.

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United Capital annual leadership conference becomes carbon neutral

United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector, has announced that it’s annual leadership conference, which takes place on Monday 16th May, in Dubai, will be carbon neutral.

The conference, which will see thirty leaders from across the growing group of businesses come together in Dubai to discuss the future strategy and direction of the business, has offset the carbon footprint of the trip via a new partnership with Ecologi, a new and accessible carbon credit business, recently promoted by BBC Dragon’s Den judge, Steven Bartlett.

United Capital is one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK, having acquired five building and home services companies since March 2019. United Capital leaders have pivoted the focus of the group to lead the charge towards the decarbonisation of the existing UK built environment, and has already completed a number of large-scale sustainability contracts on behalf of public sector clients.

Speaking of the decision to offset the carbon footprint of the company conference, United Capital CEO Graeme Carling commented: “As a business that operates in the decarbonisation sector, we understand the scale of the climate challenge, and we want to play our part. Our annual leadership conference moves our teams away from their normal working environment to facilitate better idea generation, and offsetting with Ecologi allows us to compensate our carbon footprint, and fund sustainability projects whilst doing so. Having opened an office in the UAE last year, it was always our intention to bring our senior leaders here to experience the “greatest city in the world” first-hand, and see what can be achieved when a group of focused and motivated people get together.”

Ecologi allows businesses to offset their carbon footprint by planting trees, or through funding carbon reduction or alternative energy projects around the world. As an organisation, Ecologi is completely transparent and adopts globally recognised standards for carbon credit transfer, all of which are available on the website.

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]]> United Capital appoints facilities management industry expert as Non-Executive Chairman of Operations Group https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/04/27/united-capital-appoints-facilities-management-industry-expert-as-non-executive-chairman-of-operations-group/ Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:13:56 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6049 United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building and home services sector and decarbonising the existing built environment, has appointed John Reynolds as Non-Executive Chairman of it’s management business, United Capital Operations Group.

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United Capital appoints facilities management industry expert as Non-Executive Chairman of Operations Group

United Capital, the investment company specialising in consolidating the fragmented UK building and home services sector and decarbonising the existing built environment, has appointed John Reynolds as Non-Executive Chairman of it’s management business, United Capital Operations Group. John, who has led one of the UK’s largest gas and central heating specialists, Saltire Facilities Management, a business acquired by United Capital in May 2020, for the past 16 years, will soon retire from his existing role and will step up into this new role with immediate effect.

Over the last 3 years The United Capital family of businesses have recorded significant growth, and the building and home services group now includes; McGill, Saltire, Alliance Electrical, Kingdom Gas, and McDougall. Together, the five businesses and over 600 directly employed team members, are one of the largest building services contractors in Scotland, delivering the widest range of services to an ever-expanding set of clients.

As of the 1st April, United Capital Operations Group Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Capital Investments Ltd, assumed operational oversight across the family of businesses, whilst the parent company, United Capital Investments, continues to identify, and acquire the best regional building services businesses across the UK, expanding the group further.

United Capital Operations Group board will be chaired by John Reynolds, who will soon retire from his existing role at Saltire, a business he has led for the past 16 years, to take on the new role of Non-Executive Chairman. John will be supported in his role by parent company Non-Executive Chairman, Syd Fudge OBE, who will represent United Capital Investments at this board level. Announcements will be made as we make appointments into key directorship roles; Group Managing Director, Group Finance Director, and Group Commercial Officer. McGill and Saltire will be represented by Errol Lawrie, Douglas Smith, Natalie Milne, and Alan Murray, who are appointed to this new board.

Speaking of his new position, John Reynolds commented; “I am delighted to step up into this new role, which will allow me to continue to support not only the leadership team at Saltire, but all other group companies. The combined skill set, resource and experience within the wider United Capital group puts us in a great position to win some of the largest and most exciting contracts in our sector. I am excited to get started and look forward to working closely with the leaders of all United Capital companies.”

United Capital Investments CEO, Graeme Carling added; “This announcement signals our intent to continue expanding our business across the country, and our decision to recruit from our existing team reaffirms our commitment to provide career progression opportunities. By launching a centralised operations board, we will improve our coordinated efforts to win the biggest, and best contracts available in the industry, and expand our geographic reach further across the UK. Having led Saltire for 16 years, John has significant experience, expertise and connections throughout the sector, and I am happy to have retained his skills in our group of businesses.

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]]> “To be nominated is very humbling” Employee of the Year Billy Robertson discusses his win, and the values-led culture at McGill https://www.united-capital.co.uk/2022/04/25/united-capital-employee-of-the-year-2022-interview/ Mon, 25 Apr 2022 15:40:52 +0000 https://www.united-capital.co.uk/?p=6036 United Capital Employee of the Year, Billy Robertson, talks about his Race to Dubai win, and his continued ambitions for McGill's Fire and Security Division

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We speak to McGill’s Billy Robertson, Head of Fire and Security, Employee of the Year and winner of an all-expenses paid family trip to Dubai.

Billy, how did you feel when you found out some of your colleagues had nominated you?

Like most people in the company I come to work to do my best, and do what it takes to get great results, so the fact that busy people took the time and effort to send an email nominating me is very humbling. There are so many people across the United Capital group who regularly go above and beyond, so it does mean a lot to me to be recognised as Employee of the Year.

Which of the United Capital values – Relentless, Ambitious, Committed, and Entrepreneurial – do you think you represent most?

I’d say I share all of the United Capital values, and have done throughout my career. It’s very easy when everyone around you is busy to forget these values, but the difference while working for The McGill Group is that these values are encouraged and nurtured. Unlike anywhere I have worked before, it’s recognised that if you give people opportunities and encouragement they will absolutely flourish.

What do you look forward to about the conference in Dubai?

I attended the first United Capital conference a year and a half ago at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews . It’s really interesting to hear about different aspects of the business, and share ideas and solutions with colleagues from other companies. It also allows for discussions about areas of the business where we could do more to collaborate – and obviously a bit of sun will be nice as well!

What are your ambitions for the future with United Capital?

I still see a huge market for the Fire and Security Division due to the fact we have some of the best engineers in the area, as well as vast expertise and a proven ability to deliver big multi-million pound contracts. So with help from the Estimating and Business Development Departments we are looking to secure more of these contracts and ensure that McGill is the go-to company in this area.

The post “To be nominated is very humbling” Employee of the Year Billy Robertson discusses his win, and the values-led culture at McGill appeared first on United Capital.

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