In the news – iNewspaper

The Carling Group founders, Graeme and Leanne Carling, spoke to iNews about their mission to decarbonise the UK built environment.

In the news – Business Insider

Top Scottish business magazine Business Insider interviewed Graeme and Leanne about the progress made towards acquiring £500million of revenue in the UK sustainable building services sector.

In the news – Daily Record

National daily newspaper, Daily Record, spoke to founders Graeme and Leanne about their commitment to donate £1million to Caudwell Children, a charity set up by Phones4U billionaire, John Caudwell.

In the news – The Times

Looking back at the progress they have made, Graeme and Leanne spoke to The Times newspaper for an article in their “How we made it” feature

International Women’s Day 2020

Here’s a throwback to when Leanne met her mentor Kim Kiyosaki back in 2009, and a more recent encounter in 2020 discussing women in business. Over the past 11 years, with many more un-filmed meetings, Kim has grown from being Leanne’s mentor to friend, and their bond is a classic example of the strong relationships Leanne creates throughout the business. As one of our Directors, these skills in building relationships and managing and negotiating deal activity to its completion are essential at The Carling Group. A lot of her work is carried out behind the scenes, so what better day to celebrate her than International Women’s Day!

Over the past 13 years, Leanne has grown her residential property company, Carling Property Group, into the largest privately-owned residential landlords in Scotland. She’s been involved in over 1,000 property transactions with a value of over £200million, and Leanne’s work behind the scenes is just as interesting as the high figures. Whether Graeme’s come home to find the microwave’s gone missing or their duvet’s done a disappearing act, it’s testament to Leanne’s caring nature that she’d give her own belongings to tenants who have nothing.

Leanne absolutely loves giving back, so if you’re looking for a successful businesswoman to speak and inspire women at your next event, just get in touch! #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Coventry University students get investment masterclass from Graeme Carling

United Capital Managing Director, Graeme Carling accepted an invitation from Coventry University’s Investment Society to deliver an investment masterclass on Monday evening.

Speaking to students via video conference, experienced investor Graeme Carling told his story and offered his top tips for successful investing. The talk, a latest in a series of such delivered by Graeme as part of United Capital’s community engagement campaign, allowed University students who are interested in investing to quiz the expert. Graeme commented: “I enjoy the opportunity to talk directly to students and try to offer them some ‘real’ talk on the reality of investing in property and companies. I recently spoke to a group of property investors at an event organised by Shaf Rasul and at another organised by St. Andrews Business Club as part of their annual Business Week programme.”

Top Scottish Entrepreneur, Shaf Rasul invites Graeme Carling to Edinburgh Property Event

United Capital Managing Director, Graeme Carling was invited to tell his story at a prestigious Property Know-How event organised by one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, Shaf Rasul. Graeme, joined by Allied Surveyors Scotland’s Director of Commercial, Iain Mercer, discussed his journey and “laser-focused mindset” with the packed conference held at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel.

The event, which included Q&A session and a networking meal, donated all proceed to the Edinburgh Cats & Dogs Shelter.



Property entrepreneurs offer flats to homeless as part of support to Sleep in the Park

Two property entrepreneurs have offered to donate some of their flats to the homeless, in a unique collaboration with the charity Social Bite.

Dundee-based Graeme and Leanne Carling are offering units from their extensive property stock in Tayside free of charge, as part of their involvement with Saturday’s Sleep in the Park event.

The couple, who own private property rental and management firms Carling Property Group and PRS Group, are “walking the walk” by sleeping out at Slessor Gardens in Dundee as part of the mass event. As corporate sponsors of Sleep in the Park Dundee, the Carlings have already donated £5000. For every £2,500 more that their team raises, Carling Property Group and PRS Group will house one homeless person free of charge for a year, up to a maximum of eight people.

To donate please click here

Part of Social Bite’s mission is to make actual homes available for the homeless, rather than hostels and bed and breakfasts. Its Social Bite Village in Edinburgh opened in July. Social Bite and PRS Group are in talks over how the property firm can divert some of its units for use by the homeless.

Graeme Carling said:
“We didn’t hesitate to back Sleep in the Park Dundee. As property developers and supporters of their mission, it just makes sense that we would both take part in and sponsor it. But it was also important to walk the walk and go an extra step, particularly as we are landlords. Not only did we want to sleep out, we wanted to put some of our units to good use and offer accommodation free of charge to homeless people for a year.”

He added: “The more we raise in money, the more people we can house. We will then work with Social Bite to match people with the accommodation.”

Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Graeme and Leanne on both Sleep in the Park Dundee and on their offer to provided free accommodation for the homeless. It’s only through innovative solutions like this that we will help eradicate homelessness in Scotland.”

The Carlings grew their business initially by providing quality affordable housing. They have worked with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership on projects to convert non-residential buildings and renovate existing homes. Last year they made history as the first private property developers to receive affordable housing support from the Scottish Government.

The Carlings are active philanthropists, both through charity donations and taking part in fundraising events.

Carling Property Group owns and manages 350+ rental properties all over Scotland, making the Carlings Scotland’s largest independent residential landlords.

Sleep in the Park is taking place across four cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee – with an estimated 12,000 people participating. Social Bite, which addresses homelessness through its cafes, restaurants and free food distribution in Scotland, is aiming to build on last year’s fundraising total of £4 million.

Amy Macdonald and KT Tunstall are ‘busking’ at all four venues, travelling between each by helicopter. Other performers across the cities include Eddi Reader, Frightened Rabbit, Lulu and The View’s Kyle Falconer.

New Chance Inn ready to welcome first tenants