Investment firm Svella has completed the acquisition of Carlisle-based Cubby Construction, building a base to create a major regional contracting business.

Led by former Stobart director Andrew Tinkler, Svella is committing £12m into a newly-formed Cubby Group that brings together 14 integrated businesses drawn from both Svella’s and Cubby’s existing operations.

Cubby Construction, established in 1968, built a strong reputation in construction, civil engineering, and joinery manufacturing, operating across north west England and the Scottish Borders.

But the £24m turnover contractor ran into problems working on Galliford Try’s Carlisle Southern Link Road project which it exited late last year leaving it with liquidity problems.

L-R: Kirk Taylor, Andrew Tinkler and Darcie Rae from Svella

The new-look Cubby Group also brings in parts of Svella’s growing portfolio, including the telecoms, plant hire, transport and accommodation arms it acquired from failed contractor nmcn four years ago. Svella has since added a rail consultancy and EV infrastructure specialist Aberla to the fold.

The expanded Cubby Group structure comprises:

• Core units: Cubby Construction, Civils, Joinery, Utilities, and Plant Hire

• Associated acquisitions: Briscoe Construction, Finlaysons Contracts, Laidlaw Building and Scaffolding

• Energy and rail: Aberla Energy, Avidrail

• Support services: Enviro Skip and Enviro Hire

Backed by Svella’s wider operational platform, the Cubby Group is now aiming to extend its footprint across the north of England, southern Scotland and the Midlands.

The new group employs around 350 people and is targeting long-term growth in renewables, utilities, rail and infrastructure.

Executive chairman Tinkler confirmed the group is aiming to grow revenues to over £50m by the end of May 2026.

He said: “The acquisition of Cubby and the £12m investment will deliver stability and underpin our long-term growth strategy.

“The new Cubby Group brings together complementary expertise and gives customers a wider service offering and improved efficiencies.”

Tinkler added: “We’re focused on unlocking the business’s potential through operational improvements, investment in people, and hands-on management.”

Cubby Group now operates from multiple bases including Carlisle, Jedburgh, Galashiels, Selkirk, Carnforth, Warrington, Chesterfield and Birmingham.