Scottish FM and fit out companies funded for growth

20 April 2011

(l-r) Anne Clyde, Area Manager, UK Steel Enterprise, with Douglas McLeod, Operations Director and Ian McCall MD or Alba Facilities

Two Glasgow-based companies have received £150,000 in funding from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), which supports economic regeneration, encourages job creation and helps companies tackle new markets.

UKSE, formerly British Steel (Industry) Ltd, now a subsidiary of Tata Steel, has provided support to FM company, Alba Facilities (£50,000), and fit-out company, Archibald McKeller (£100,000).
Alba Facilities was established in 2003 by MD, Ian McCall. It provides a range of facility services to the commercial, industrial and domestic market throughout Scotland and Northern England and numbers among its clients, The Bank of New York and the Frankie and Benny’s restaurant chain. With the funding provided by UKSE, Alba has already created two new jobs and future plans include opening a second office and achieve 30 percent growth over the next year.
Ian McCall commented: “We have been fortunate to grow despite the recession. Last year we achieved 82 percent growth and we are keen to build on this. Thanks to UKSE we have already employed two new engineers and are planning to recruit another soon. Considering we currently have 28 staff, we are pleased with this progress and are looking forward to exploring how we can develop Alba further.”
Darnley-based Archibald McKeller was established in 1945 and trades in the delivery and installation of office furniture. The company has worked on projects across the central belt including the West Lothian Council Civic Centre and has enjoyed steady growth over the last 65 years. The funding provided by UKSE has enabled the existing management team to buy the company from their former boss. Lesley McKerral, Ellen Jensen and Gordon Boyd have plans to use their knowledge of the company to grow the business and move into new sectors.
MD Lesley McKerral said: “Archibald McKeller has carved out a leading position in a niche market and we are confident we can build on this success. With help from UKSE we have managed to complete our buy-out which will allow us to strengthen the relationships we have developed with existing clients and drive the business forward by identifying further opportunities for growth.”
Anne Clyde, area manager for UKSE, added: “Despite the economic climate, Archibald McKeller and Alba Facilities are strong examples of companies UKSE is happy to support. Both are well-established, stable businesses which have worked hard to become leaders in their chosen industries. We have every confidence Alba will successfully roll out its expansion plans and create more jobs in the process. Likewise, Archibald McKeller already has an experienced team at its helm and we are sure it will continue to prosper.”