Lewis Murray, of L Murray Builder and McClintock Industrials Limited, has purchased the former Creca Sawmill and has grand plans to create Creca Business Park.
Although the 28-year-old only got the keys last week, work has already begun to clear areas of the 6.3 hectare site in Creca village, near Annan, and make it fit for purpose.
As well as running his building business from the site, Mr Murray plans to offer secure parking for lorries, caravans, motorhomes, vehicles and trailers, wrapped in perimeter fencing, covered by CCTV and possibly on-site security staff.
There are also a range of units, from small to very large, available for lease and two companies already on board are Sharp Transport and existing tenants ECO.
Speaking about his plans along with his partner, Taye Smith, Lewis said: “We want to bring something a bit different to the area, we want to regenerate this area.
“Businesses are going to have the opportunity to tailor their sheds however they need to work for them.
“We can change and alter the sheds to suit, if someone needs a smaller area, we can do that.”
And he added: “It is quite exciting for L Murray Builder, it’s an opportunity for us to grow but also a chance for other people to start or grow their business.
“I want to see people get premises for their business, for them to make it work, whether they are just starter uppers or established companies
“I have spent years looking for the right place, I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors looking for land to build a shed. And then, finally, I knocked on the right one.”
His building company may only be three years old, but it already has 23 employees – from apprentices right through to workers with decades of experience.
Yet Lewis says he is ‘nowhere near where he wants it to be’ and has big plans to develop further, and hopes that his enterprise will be something he can hand down to his son and future generations.
It is already a very family orientated company, with both of Lewis’ parents working for him as well as wider family members and his partner.
