Multi-national snaps up energy specialist

A ROYTON company founded only 10 years ago by three former United Utilities employees has been sold to a multinational business for an undisclosed sum.

Energy management consultants Utility Masters, based at Salmon Fields Business Park for the past five years, is now part of procurement and compliance specialists M&C Energy Group, which has its headquarters in Dunfermline, Fife.

The deal will see turnover at M&C Energy Group, founded in 1976, increase to more than £40 million.

Utility Masters was established in 2000 by Grasscroft man Jim McGhie and two colleagues, Shaun McCarron, from the Wirral, and Kevin Whaites, from Hyde.

Initially based in the Falcon Enterprise Centre, Chadderton, with a total of six employees, the company moved to a single unit at Salmon Fields in 2005 and two years later took over the neighbouring space.

Today, the business employs 35 people helping clients optimise energy consumption, use and costs.

In the short-term the business — which will remain in Royton - will retain the Utility Masters name but long-term will become M&C Energy Group.

Managing director Mr McGhie told Chronicle Business: “My partners and I looking forward to with M&C to drive forward this strong business.

“M&C’s global reach will bring significant benefits to our clients, many of whom require an integrated energy service.

“As one of the world’s leading energy consultants, M&C are unquestionably able to deliver excellence in customer services and product innovation.”

M&C chief executive Simon Northrop added: “Utility Masters is a natural fit for our business.

“It is a well respected energy consultancy with significant expertise in supply management.”

M&C is a truly international organisation with 17 offices in 13 countries, servicing clients in more than 20 countries.