The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Former trainee moves on to board of directors Appointment: Painting and decorating company planning expansion
A man who started his career as a trainee less than a decade ago has risen through the ranks at a north-east firm and been appointed to the board of directors.
Gavin McCombie joined R Davidson (Banchory) Painter and Decorator eight years ago as a quantity surveyor and on Thursday he will start his new position as commercial director to help steer the firm through a period of growth.
The business has 90 staff in Aberdeen and 18 in the north following the
“I am very much in tune with the ambitious growth plans for the business”
acquisition of Inverness firm, Kelman Decorating, earlier this year.
It has seen steady growth across both regions in the past three months as the firm has doubled the team in the north since June to meet client demand.
Managing director Trevor Mutch took over R Davidson in 2004 and has grown the business, which is headquartered in Banchory, by 50% in the past 14 years.
He says there has been growth in 2018 in both the domestic and commercial divisions and Mr McCombie’s appointment will benefit them both as the company prepares to expand further.
He said: “Gavin has been a great member of the team since he joined us and we are delighted to reward him for his commitment.
“We have a great management team that can support growth and Gavin is enthusiastic, and motivated and has the drive to support the future plans.
“It is also beneficial to add some youth to the board and he will bring fresh ideas as well as additional commercial focus to the board table.”
The management team has plans to grow the Inverness side of the business and double the workforce to the mid 30s during the coming 12-18 months. With the Aberdeen housing market showing signs of improving, they believe the business is in a strong position to capitalise on projected growth.
Mr McComvie, 29, from Montrose, graduated with a quantity surveying degree from RGU in 2010.
He said: “There has always been career progression in my role and Trevor has always shown a lot of faith in me, so I am very much in tune with the ambitious growth plans for the business. There is a strong management team which I respect, so this is a great opportunity for me.
“I have a good commercial awareness in the business and have a real handle on what’s going on day-to-day, so this will benefit me at board level while I establish my position.”
Founded in 1930, R Davidson is one of the north-east’s longest established home improvement contractors, specialising in painting, decorating, Ames taping and plastering services for the private domestic and commercial markets.