Woodworking firm makes move north

Awoodworking company is upping sticks to move from Edinburgh to near Grantown in July, with the aim of doubling its staff to 20.

Angus+Mack makes staircases and fitted interiors, sawmilling and seasoning its own timber from local sources.

Its “tree-to-table” idea means logs are from sustainably managed forests.

For the removal of more than five tonnes of timber, a felling licence is required to ensure a replanting plan is in place.

Company owner Malcolm Mack is originally from the Black Isle – business partner Julian Angus left in 2015 – and after looking at various sites, he plumped for a former Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) building in Grantown.

“We have been looking for some time to move up north,” Mr Mack said.

He added: “When Covid hit I decided I would ask the team if they fancied it.

“It was very much dependent on the team moving with me. A few have links to the Highlands.

“My lease was coming to an end this year and I didn’t want to sign a new one on a building I couldn’t really develop.”

Mr Mack also looked at properties in Invergordon, Aviemore and Elgin, but “the stars aligned” for the former HIE site, which will cater for both domestic and commercial buildings throughout the UK.

“It is pretty much plug and play – ready to go – and a well laid-out unit for us to work in,” he added.

“We are looking for cabinetmakers and some office staff. We are looking to double numbers in the next three years so we should be up to 18-20 people.

“We have always struggled to meet demand – now more than ever – and we are now at the point of quite significant growth.

“We have a few large contracts on the horizon up in the Highlands. They are for some of the larger estates and there is significant commitment from them to use our services.”

Angus+Mack is now trying to secure funding through HIE, but this would focus on expanding the business rather than relocation costs.

The firm is debt-free apart from a standard commercial mortgage, said Mr Mack.

HIE strategy and regional economy director Martin Johnson said: “We are pleased to support any business considering the Highlands and Islands as a location.

“Depending on the nature of the business and the proposed investment project, financial support may also be available.”

HIE can help with up to 30% of investment costs – which can cover work to the building, new machinery, or staffing costs and training.

Around 90% of Angus+Mack’s business is domestically focused – aimed at those looking to create “forever homes, the dream home”, but it has also worked for distilleries, public spaces and galleries, as well as Rosslyn Chapel – given a blaze of publicity by the Da Vinci Code film.

The company has previously taken on two apprentices and Mr Mack is keen to recruit more once set up in Grantown.

Despite the Cairngorms being mainly focused on tourism as a source of employment, Mr Mack feels strongly “you need more eggs in your basket” for the area to diversify its economy.

He added: “Small companies like ours potentially bring quite a lot to the table in terms of broadening the industry that is there.”

Most of Angus+Mack’s staff are under 35 but are still keen on a move to the Highlands.

“They have had their fill of the city to a certain extent,” Mr Mack said.

BUILDING FOR FUTURE: The staff of Angus + Mack have signed up to move from Edinburgh to a new Highland base.