By Sarah Walker
17 October 2025
Growth and talent retention is key for Harvey’s
Sustained growth is planned for a family-run electrical services business, which has been acquired by a private investor who aims to expand across the North East and beyond, while working with existing staff.
Darlington-based Harvey Electrical Services, owned by Karl Harvey, who has built up the family-run business over 20 years from a one-man-band to a company employing 20 staff, has been purchased by Emre Yilmaz for an undisclosed sum.
Emre has committed himself to securing the future for existing staff at the firm and supporting the further growth of the team, while acquiring more property services trade businesses, such as other electrical contracting, roofing, heating and plumbing, renewables and HVAC companies.
“I am looking to form a group of companies within the North East across property services and trades and I aim to grow Harvey Electrical aggressively to be one of the largest in the area, through organic growth and further acquisitions,” Emre said.
“When I first spoke with Karl, his biggest concern was for his staff as he wanted to know they would be looked after.
“That really struck a chord with me, because, for me, acquisitions aren’t about cutting jobs or changing cultures they are about people, and I have promised Karl his team would be supported.
“That is a promise I intend to keep.”
Emre will retain the name of Harvey Electrical Services, given the positive reputation the firm has built up across the region.
Reflecting on the transition, Karl Harvey said he and his wife Mags had poured “a great deal of passion and hard work” into building the company.
“It has always been more than just a business to us – it’s been about people, trust and community,” he said.
“Over the years, we were fortunate to have a lot of interest from those who recognised the strength of what we’d built, but when it came to the future, it was important for us to find someone whose values truly aligned with ours.
“That’s why we’re so pleased to see Emre take the company forward.”
Chris Simpson, the firm’s general manager, who is at the heart of the team, having been with Harvey’s for six years, added: “It is good to see Emre carrying on the firm’s legacy, by keeping the Harvey name and its loyal and committed team.
“Harvey’s has always been about people – staff, customers and community.
“Emre understands that and he’s here to grow with us, not over us – and that’s why the whole team is excited for the future.”
Karl Harvey started his life as an entrepreneur on a market stall in Richmond until he could raise enough money to start his own business.
Chris says Karl, who is also a property investor and has other business interests, has always had the idea to sell the business as an exit strategy – as long as existing staff were looked after by the new owner.
“He will probably go and enjoy some well-deserved family time, as well as trying to help his eldest son establish his own joinery firm,” Chris says.
“He is devoted to his family who have been the whole purpose behind everything he has done.
“He’s worked very hard, starting from scratch, door knocking and leaflet dropping to get work and get the business to where it is today, so it will be good to see him enjoying the life he has built.”
Karl’s first apprentice is one of the many staff who will remain at the firm 20 years after he first started working with and learning from Karl, just one month after he established the business.
Harvey Electrical Services is looking to benefit from the growing demand for renewable energy services, through its Green Atlas Solar brand, which provides EV charging point infrastructure and solar panels to both commercial and residential clients.
The firm also helps factories to meet EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards and carries out EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) certification for commercial and domestic landlords, through 30-plus leading agents.
Karl said Emre’s commitment to integrity, professionalism and the wellbeing of staff and clients alike exactly reflects the ethos he and Mags have always believed in.
“We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our staff, past and present, for their hard work, loyalty and dedication,” he said.
“They’ve been the backbone of the company and the reason for its success.
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients, who placed their trust in us over the years and gave us the privilege of protecting what matters most to them.”
Karl added he is proud son Owen remains a key part of the team.
“His ongoing role ensures continuity and helps carry forward the standards and values we’ve built the company on, giving both staff and clients the reassurance that the business remains in safe and capable hands,” Karl said.
“With that strong foundation in place, I’m excited to focus more on expanding my real estate ventures, while watching this company continue to thrive under Emre’s leadership.
“We wish him, Owen and the entire team every success as they carry the business forward into a bright future.”
Emre adds: “The human element is very important to me when it comes to my investments – I’m not a private equity guy who is all about money.
“For SMEs like Harvey Electrical, it’s all about emotions and the human element.
“A lot of people have worked here for a long time, and they work here as if they own the business, they care that much.
“While we have got that, we will always have success.”
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