John Mutch looks to further growth with plumber acquisition

John Mutch Building Services (JMBS) has taken over Pirie and Hunter (P&H) following the retirement of P&H owner Jim Tosh.

A spokeswoman for JMBS said there were no employees transferring from P&H, whose workforce had either retired or found new jobs.

P&H’s customer base is expected to help spur JMBS on to further success following a 5% year-on-year increase in turnover during 2017.

Last year, the company turned over more than £2 million. If the current rate of growth continues, the figure will increase to more than £21.5m this year.

JMBS has also invested £250,000 in buying and refurbishing new premises at 218 Holburn Street, with the relocation from its current site in Station Road, Cults, planned for this week.

Owner John Mutch said: “We are pleased to have acquired Pirie and Hunter and saw this as an opportunity to grow the business, while offering additional services to their existing 1,200 customers as well as continuing to provide a high standard of plumbing solutions that they have enjoyed over the years.

“Although we have always enjoyed a steady level of trade, with a large percentage of our work coming from repeat business and referrals, we are, of course, currently operating in a challenging market.

“We are hopeful that the acquisition and our new premises on Holburn Street will drive new business and allow us to continue to expand our workforce.”

JMBS specialises in commercial and industrial maintenance and installations, domestic electrical work, plumbing, roofing, joinery and locksmith services.

Its in-house team is supported by external tradespeople, creating a one-stop shop for projects such as bathroom and kitchen installations, house extensions, shop fit-outs and office refurbishments.

The firm has undertaken work for office developments, industrial units, hotels, leisure centres, municipal buildings, schools and universities throughout the north-east.