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McFarlane Telfer (MCFT) was started by Chris Craggs in January 1992 in a small, fabrication workshop in Maidenhead, England, producing bespoke stainless steel for London’s West End 5* hotels.
In 1998, the fabricators were joined by service technicians, allowing the business to supply and install turnkey projects. The 2008 Global Financial Crisis prompted a re-appraisal and since October 2010, the business has been focused on commercial kitchen maintenance.
Expansion
Growing from that small base, in January 2015, the Dubai team started, rapidly joined by colleagues in Qatar and, in 2019, Saudi Arabia with teams in three locations across the Kingdom. In 2021, the Netherlands, in 2022, the Philippines, 2023 Oman and Belgium; the only multi-territory business in the industry now comprises more than 400 colleagues, with nearly 300 technicians and continues, at the request of its customers, to open new branches in new countries every year.
Senior Leadership Team
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Chris Craggs - Chairman
Read more about ChrisChris Craggs - Chairman
Chris grew up in France and Germany, working in hospitality in France for three years before spending 7 years with Trusthouse Forte in food & beverage management.
Switching to the supply side, he joined catering equipment dealers CCA based in Maidenhead and gained a rapid understanding of the equipment market. Setting out in the teeth of the early nineties recession, he is passionate about building and creating opportunities for the team.
Chris lives near Oxford and enjoys leisurely motorbiking and adventure travel.
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George Roberts-Smith - Group CEO
Read more about GeorgeGeorge Roberts-Smith - Group CEO
George joined MCFT in 2012. He spent 3 years in the UK office overseeing a number of process improvement programmes (including the introduction of our tablet system) before packing his bags and heading out to the Middle East. In Dubai George oversaw the opening of our offices in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the onward expansion of MCFT across the GCC and further afield.
George was promoted to Group CEO in 2023 - He is focused on globally scaling the service business. George’s focus on people and commitment to customer service are two of the main factors enabling MCFT to quickly find a following of customers in this new global market.
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Dan Smallbone - UK Managing Director
Read more about DanDan Smallbone - UK Managing Director
Dan joined MCFT in 2017 following a Business degree & a background in hospitality. He started in the equipment sales team and growing relationships with manufacturers, before moving across to the operations side of the business and being appointed Operations Director in 2021.
Dan was promoted to UK Managing Director in September 2023, he is passionate about developing people. He takes great pride in visiting customers and understanding their needs, and then helping to deliver the work thanks to the fantastic MCFT team.
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Global General Managers
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Alex Wilson - Regional Technical Manager, GCC
Read more about AlexAlex Wilson - Regional Technical Manager, GCC
Alex joined MCFT in 2014 as a Refrigeration Technician working within the Southern division of MCFT's refrigeration team, often making the trek to London to help cover weekends.
Following several years as a Refrigeration Technician, Alex successfully completed his EngTech and Gas qualifications, all leading up to his move to Dubai in 2020. Alex is now the Regional Technical Manager in the Middle East - helping to recruit and train new MCFT technicians as well as supporting expansion projects
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James Perton - Netherlands GM
Read more about JamesJames Perton - Netherlands GM
James joined MCFT UK as a summer intern in 2015 whilst studying at University of Gloucestershire. After graduating he joined the team in a graduate role and gained valuable insight from various different areas of the business, his favourite role being field sales in the Midlands.
In 2017 James moved to the UAE division of MCFT as the area manager in Abu Dhabi. He built solid relationships with customers and technicians alike proving invaluable in the development and growth of the business in the UAE.
In September 2018 he was promoted to UAE General Manager and in 2021 he is now leading the latest MCFT expansion project in the Netherlands.
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