Jobs boost as Tulloch returns to construction

HUNDREDS of jobs could be created in Inverness and the North of Scotland with the revival of the Tulloch name in the construction industry.

City businessman David Sutherland, who sold Tulloch Construction to the now defunct Rok Scotland five years ago, has joined forces with his former Tulloch Construction managing director, George Fraser, and national company ISG Scotland to form a new business, Tulloch ISG.

It is case of turning back the clock for Mr Sutherland who, after the sale, concentrated his efforts on housebuilding with his Tulloch Homes Group, which is 40 per cent owned by the Bank of Scotland and is £130.9 million in debt, according to its 2010 annual report.

Based at Corrie Lodge, Inverness, the former home of Tulloch Construction, Tulloch ISG, which will remain separate from the Tulloch Homes Group, will initially create a handful of jobs. However, this could expand rapidly as contracts are secured.

Mr Sutherland explained the timing was now right in terms of the economic climate to move back into the industry.

“We anticipate the new company being operational very quickly indeed,” he said. “Obviously, the growth of the company and its employment attachment will depend on the rate of contracts won, but George and I are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to put the Tulloch name back on the map in our traditional stronghold areas.

“We are confident that through our reputation and strong connections, Tulloch ISG will play a key role in helping the construction industry to thrive in the area.”

The new company will target projects in both the public and private sectors throughout the Highlands and Islands and the North-east.

The collapse of Rok Scotland, which employed more than 300 people in Inverness, last November has paved the way for other firms to gain, none more so than national company Morgan Sindall.

Its North of Scotland operation was formed after Rok Scotland went into administration and has picked up contracts worth almost £2 million in nine months.

Speaking to The Inverness Courier on Tuesday, Morgan Sindall noted the “good opportunities for growth” in the Highlands and Islands including the forthcoming contract for the Inverness College campus at Beechwood, which is expected to be worth at least £50 million.

ISG Scotland managing director Andy Mallice, the former managing director of Rok Scotland, agrees there are still positives in the market.

“We are financially strong, with the capacity and commitment to expand sustainably,” he said.

ISG is an international company, providing construction, fit-out and management services. Its Scotland-branch formed in January and has secured contracts worth around £60 million since then, including a new Arnold Clark car sales room in Inverness and a new bottling hall in Leven for spirits group Diageo.

Mr Mallice explained an alliance with Mr Sutherland and Mr Fraser made sense.

“They are obviously well-respected in the Highlands and are known to many. It is about utilising their knowledge and experience to leverage more opportunities in the Highlands.”

He also hopes his own company’s experience and reputation elsewhere in Scotland will bring new opportunities to the Highlands.

Although he would not be drawn on possible future contracts, Mr Mallice continued: “If the projects we have in the pipeline come to fruition — and I am confident they will — we could create numerous jobs for sub-contractors and supply chain businesses.

“Given the current market conditions, that represents a significant boost for the industry and the economy of the North and North-east.”

Mr Sutherland added: “We have lots of things we have an eye on, but it is too sensitive to say what they are.”