Specialist energy contractor Aberla has appointed ex-Forrest director Paul McCarren as its new managing director, with the firm also boasting new investment.

McCarren joins the rooftop PV installer after more than seven years at Forrest, where he headed up its energy division.

McCarren said that that his appointment at Aberla was a “really exciting opportunity”.

“We are looking to grow turnover by targeting new sectors, diversifying into new technologies and increasing knowledge collaboration with our partners,” he said.

He will lead Aberla’s management team and has targeted a growth strategy on the back of the Warrington-based firm clinching new investor backing. Consultancy Inspired Energy, supplier Regent Gas and Maven Capital Partners, acting on behalf of Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, have collaborated to back the firm financially.

Aberla also said it had launched a new rebrand to position itself more clearly within the domestic and commercial energy markets, targeting large energy consumers.

“The business has immense potential and, working in partnership with our new investors, we now have the basis to make a real splash in the energy industry,” McCarren added.

Aberla is to also embark on a recruitment drive having recently moved into a new office.