Graeme Carling
Chairman & Co-Founder, The Carling Group
Graeme Carling is a British businessman, investor and Chairman and Co-Founder of The Carling Group.
Over more than two decades, he has founded, acquired, invested in, developed and sold businesses across property, building services, facilities management and other sectors in the UK and internationally.
His career includes successful investments and exits as well as businesses that did not succeed. Those experiences have shaped the investment approach he applies today through The Carling Group: acquiring established businesses, strengthening governance and performance, and developing companies with a clear route towards long-term strategic value.
In 2025, United Capital completed the sale of Saltire Facilities Management to Daikin Industries following five years of ownership.
Today, Graeme leads The Carling Group alongside his wife and Co-Founder, Leanne Carling, with current investment activity focused on established businesses internationally.
The Carling Group is the private family investment group founded by Graeme and Leanne Carling.
The Group invests in established businesses where its capital, experience and governance model can support further development and long-term value creation.
Its approach has been developed through more than two decades of direct experience building, acquiring, operating and exiting businesses.
The Group works alongside existing founders and management teams, combining their sector knowledge with strategic oversight, capital allocation, governance and acquisition experience.
Graeme serves as Chairman, with responsibility for investment strategy, acquisitions, governance, capital allocation and the long-term positioning of the Group and its investments.
BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES
Perspectives from more than two decades of building, buying, investing in and selling businesses.
Graeme writes about acquisitions, investment, leadership, decision-making, business failure and the lessons that come from operating businesses rather than observing them.
FAMILY & PHILANTHROPY
Graeme and Leanne Carling have supported charitable organisations and community initiatives throughout their business careers, contributing both funding and their time.
Their philanthropic activity has included fundraising for type 1 diabetes research and support, Caudwell Children and a range of local causes.
The family also established the Wayne Carling Foundation in memory of Graeme’s brother, Wayne, supporting cancer-related causes in Scotland.
Alongside charitable giving, Graeme and Leanne created the 100 Hours Initiative, through which they provide selected business owners and entrepreneurs with access to their time and experience without charge.
Their approach to philanthropy is centred on direct involvement alongside financial support.
MOUNT EVEREST CLIMB FOR A CURE FOR JDRF
A gruelling 8-day trek up through the Himalayas to Base Camp Everest to raise money for JDRF.
Read the full story here
PLEDGING £1MILLION TO CAUDWELL CHILDREN
The Carlings announce a £1million pledge to Caudwell Children and join John Caudwell’s Life-Changers Circle.
Read the full story here
VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA CYCLE FOR JDRF
Graeme and Leanne cycle over 400km in 7 days from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia for JDRF.
Read the full story here
ENTREPRENEURIAL INSIGHTS
Entrepreneurial Insights is a collection of reflections from Graeme Carling’s journey in business. Drawing on decades of experience building, investing in, and transforming companies, he shares perspectives on the realities of entrepreneurship; the decisions, challenges, successes and setbacks that shape the path. These insights are grounded in real experience and intended to offer practical perspective for others navigating the world of business and enterprise.
