top of page

South Lanarkshire Facilities Management Firm Restructures With Business Gateway



A South Lanarkshire-based facilities management company has restructured its operations after reaching a record £4 million turnover, with support from Business Gateway helping to position the business for its next phase of growth.


Strachan & Kemp Commercial Services Ltd, founded by Steven Smernicki in 2014, was established with the goal of providing a single point of contact for all facility-related needs. The business delivers a wide range of services including maintenance, refurbishment, cleaning, landscaping, waste management and emergency repairs.


Drawing on his industry experience, Steven set out to offer a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative to larger facilities management companies, while delivering a broader and more reliable service than typical multi-trade contractors. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the business supports clients across the UK with a responsive and hands-on approach.


Following a period of sustained growth, the business has introduced a new group structure, splitting into multiple entities under a single parent company. This change is designed to strengthen day-to-day operations, improve efficiency and support continued expansion.


The business has been supported through one-to-one guidance from Senior Business Gateway adviser Jim Fagan, who has played a key role in advising on business strategy, growth planning and restructuring. This has included supporting the move to a group model, helping to shape future leadership plans and providing procurement guidance to enable the business to begin tendering for public sector contracts through Public Contracts Scotland.


Additional support in signposting routes to funding from Business Gateway also helped the company secure £5,000 from South Lanarkshire Council’s Growth Grant Fund. The funding was used to invest in specialist high-pressure cleaning equipment, allowing Strachan & Kemp to expand its service offering and deliver more specialised solutions to clients.


Steven Smernicki, founder and managing director of Strachan & Kemp Commercial Services Ltd, said:

“We’ve seen strong growth in recent years, and it became clear that we needed to evolve how the business is structured to support that and prepare for what comes next."

“The support from Business Gateway, and particularly the one-to-one guidance from Jim, has been incredibly valuable. It has helped us take a step back, strengthen our approach and make the right decisions to support the long-term development of the business.”


Jim Fagan, Senior Business Gateway adviser, said:

"Reaching this stage of growth is a significant achievement, and it’s clear the business has built a strong foundation. The focus now is on making sure the structure, strategy and leadership are in place to support continued progress."

“By taking the time to refine how the business operates and plans for the future, Steven and the team are putting themselves in a strong position to build on their success in a sustainable way.”


To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Most Read

New Wellbeing Programme Sees Aberdeenshire Business Branch Out

New Wellbeing Programme Sees Aberdeenshire Business Branch Out

Two former teachers from Banchory, Aberdeenshire have built a horticultural design and care business, turning an idea into a full-time venture, with Business Gateway.

Black Talent Awards Unveils 2026 Finalists

Black Talent Awards Unveils 2026 Finalists

The Black Talent Awards (BTA) has unveiled its 2026 finalists as the national platform prepares to mark its fifth anniversary, celebrating five years of recognising Black professional achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship and impact across the UK.

Rising Costs And Work-Life Balance Are Driving Britain’s Home Business Boom

Rising Costs And Work-Life Balance Are Driving Britain’s Home Business Boom

New research from garden building specialists Dunster House explored the booming backyard business economy, with surveying exclusively people who operate from their garden or home.

Categories

Jul 29
2 min read


A South Lanarkshire-based facilities management company has restructured its operations after reaching a record £4 million turnover, with support from Business Gateway helping to position the business for its next phase of growth.


Strachan & Kemp Commercial Services Ltd, founded by Steven Smernicki in 2014, was established with the goal of providing a single point of contact for all facility-related needs. The business delivers a wide range of services including maintenance, refurbishment, cleaning, landscaping, waste management and emergency repairs.


Drawing on his industry experience, Steven set out to offer a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative to larger facilities management companies, while delivering a broader and more reliable service than typical multi-trade contractors. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the business supports clients across the UK with a responsive and hands-on approach.


Following a period of sustained growth, the business has introduced a new group structure, splitting into multiple entities under a single parent company. This change is designed to strengthen day-to-day operations, improve efficiency and support continued expansion.


The business has been supported through one-to-one guidance from Senior Business Gateway adviser Jim Fagan, who has played a key role in advising on business strategy, growth planning and restructuring. This has included supporting the move to a group model, helping to shape future leadership plans and providing procurement guidance to enable the business to begin tendering for public sector contracts through Public Contracts Scotland.


Additional support in signposting routes to funding from Business Gateway also helped the company secure £5,000 from South Lanarkshire Council’s Growth Grant Fund. The funding was used to invest in specialist high-pressure cleaning equipment, allowing Strachan & Kemp to expand its service offering and deliver more specialised solutions to clients.


Steven Smernicki, founder and managing director of Strachan & Kemp Commercial Services Ltd, said:

“We’ve seen strong growth in recent years, and it became clear that we needed to evolve how the business is structured to support that and prepare for what comes next."

“The support from Business Gateway, and particularly the one-to-one guidance from Jim, has been incredibly valuable. It has helped us take a step back, strengthen our approach and make the right decisions to support the long-term development of the business.”


Jim Fagan, Senior Business Gateway adviser, said:

"Reaching this stage of growth is a significant achievement, and it’s clear the business has built a strong foundation. The focus now is on making sure the structure, strategy and leadership are in place to support continued progress."

“By taking the time to refine how the business operates and plans for the future, Steven and the team are putting themselves in a strong position to build on their success in a sustainable way.”


To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Most Read

New Wellbeing Programme Sees Aberdeenshire Business Branch Out

New Wellbeing Programme Sees Aberdeenshire Business Branch Out

Two former teachers from Banchory, Aberdeenshire have built a horticultural design and care business, turning an idea into a full-time venture, with Business Gateway.

Black Talent Awards Unveils 2026 Finalists

Black Talent Awards Unveils 2026 Finalists

The Black Talent Awards (BTA) has unveiled its 2026 finalists as the national platform prepares to mark its fifth anniversary, celebrating five years of recognising Black professional achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship and impact across the UK.

Rising Costs And Work-Life Balance Are Driving Britain’s Home Business Boom

Rising Costs And Work-Life Balance Are Driving Britain’s Home Business Boom

New research from garden building specialists Dunster House explored the booming backyard business economy, with surveying exclusively people who operate from their garden or home.

Categories

Accessible Clothing Project Receives Funding Boost

Accessible Clothing Project Receives Funding Boost

People living with disabilities and age-related mobility challenges will be able to enjoy improved independence thanks to a project that adapts everyday clothing to meet their individual needs.

Hendy Group Launches $10,000 Community-Led Campaign At Ford Dealerships

Hendy Group Launches $10,000 Community-Led Campaign At Ford Dealerships

Hendy Group has launched a new community-led grant giving campaign across its 10 Ford sites to support local charities.

Lamont Pridmore Calls On Parents To Consider The Cost Of University

Lamont Pridmore Calls On Parents To Consider The Cost Of University

With university fees of £9,790 per year in the UK and average monthly living costs whilst studying hitting £1,142 per month, Lamont Pridmore is calling on parents of future students to plan for these costs in advance.

Recent Posts

bottom of page