McPherson is first chairman for growing Space Solutions

COMMERCIAL property firm Space Solutions has hired corporate lawyer Malcolm McPherson as its first non-executive chairman as it embarks on an acquisition strategy.

McPherson, the senior partner at HBJ Gateley Wareing, sits on the board of five other Scottish companies and said he was encouraged by the prospects facing the Aberdeen-headquartered business.

"It has performed solidly through the recession, something that very few companies in the property sector can rival," he said. "My role will be to assist the board with its overall strategy and business planning - and to identify acquisition opportunities.

"One key task will be to support the company's growth plans by focusing on developing the success of its business centres in the Central Belt and North-East and in targeting expansion into London."

A former lay member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, McPherson is chairman of the Scottish Football Association appeals committee and vice chairman of the Scottish solicitors' Discipline Tribunal.

Space Solutions, which completed a management buy-out in July 2007, is Scotland's biggest independent firm helping businesses manage changes within the workplace. It operates across the UK from offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Livingston - to design, build, fit out, refurbish and relocate business premises.

Steve Judge, managing director, said: "While we have enjoyed another year of continued growth and increased turnover, we realised that to accelerate our plans for the business we needed to make a step change in our strategic thinking.

"We are delighted Malcolm has agreed to join the board. He is not just a leading figure in the legal world, but has a wealth of experience and impressive credentials in supporting businesses to grow.

"It is a significant step for the directors to appoint Space Solutions' first chairman - it underlines our strong commitment to the future of the company."