GMD Properties

You know the line that ‘something is so good that, if it didn’t exist, you’d have to invent it’?

Many an entrepreneur has started out that way – and Graham Divers, MD of GMD Properties in South Lanarkshire is no exception.

Graham had built a commercial career in the professional accountancy education sector and introduced online learning to the Institute of Chartered Accountants before the term e-learning had even been coined. This was the catalyst for setting up his own e-learning company, which quickly became the biggest provider of online learning and assessment for trainee accountants worldwide.

Finding himself frustrated by the lack of good commercial property available, both for growing his business and for investment purposes, Graham then did what any self-respecting entrepreneur would do, and thought; ‘How hard can it be?’

That was the point that he became a property developer.

It was not enough, however, just to manage the properties he owned and developed in East Kilbride. Using his extensive business experience, he also offered himself as an informal mentor and became fascinated by the whole process of economic development.

He says, “Back in 2004, when I was searching for commercial property, I bought development plots at Langlands Business Park in East Kilbride. I’m no builder, but I project managed the development of seven units within a self-contained development.

“It seemed natural to me to prioritise sustainability and energy-efficiency, even in relatively simple commercial accommodation. The entire development was let off-plan, despite coinciding with the credit crunch of the time”.

All along this journey, Graham credits South Lanarkshire Council and his local MSP of the time, Linda Fabiani, as being particularly helpful. The development brought around 300 jobs to the area, directly and indirectly, and forged lasting relationships among a community interested in economic development.

Fast forward to 2017, when Graham briefly thought of taking semi-retirement, before a chance discussion took place at a corporate dinner attended by South Lanarkshire Council officials. The opportunity to develop more business accommodation arose and it was another challenge he found he couldn’t resist.

Despite the unfortunate timing of breaking ground on the first of five new pavilions at Langlands Gate, incredibly on the first day of Scotland’s official lockdown in March 2020, Graham’s sustainable solution for high quality business accommodation was quickly and fully let, off-plan.

He says, “South Lanarkshire Council Economic Development team were with me all the way and together, we were able to attract new businesses to locate in East Kilbride and to offer the tenants added value, in the form of training and consultancy to help them grow and prosper; creating and safeguarding quality jobs for the area in the process.

“I think co-operation between public and private sector organisations is hugely beneficial – and we are fortunate to have a supportive and enthusiastic team in South Lanarkshire   I still enjoy acting as an informal business mentor to our tenants and maintain close links with the local council to access help and information on their behalf.

“I also see incorporating sustainability into business as a no-brainer, and our development at Langlands Gate is testament to our commitment in achieving as close to net zero as I think it’s possible to get in East Kilbride.”

The next project, of course, is on the cards already as Graham has turned his attention to further development opportunities, including solar energy and storage.

So, keeping with song lyrics; If you are a business looking to move or expand sustainably in East Kilbride, – here comes the sun.

Graham Divers is a serial entrepreneur and MD of GMD Properties in East Kilbride. GMD Properties Ltd are commercial property developers, landlords and manage their own portfolio of industrial, business and office premises in East Kilbride and Glasgow.

The company also offers commercial letting and property management services.  https://gmdproperties.com