M&S opens the doors to its biggest ever standalone Food store in Godalming, Surrey, as it continues to invest in bigger, better stores that help more family customers complete their weekly shop at M&S. The brand-new 22,000sq ft Foodhall, located in The Wharf Retail Park, Woolsack Way, opened and brings the full M&S Food range together under one roof. The store is a former Homebase site and forms part of M&S’s wider investment in new and renewed stores to modernise its estate, create larger Foodhalls and make M&S more relevant for families doing more of their weekly shop. Godalming showcases the next generation of the M&S Food stores, with a brighter, easier-to-shop layout and more space for customers to browse the products they buy every week. The store includes wider fresh produce areas, multi-temperature zones in herbs, organic and fruit, a larger in-store bakery, an enhanced cheese barge, a dedicated chicken shop, Mai Sushi, a rotisserie chicken counter, a new kitchen shop with family kitchen essentials and an upgraded beers, wines and spirits shop-in-shop. Designed around how modern families shop, the store has more room for weekly shop missions, improved customer flow and a broader mix of everyday essentials. Alongside the full M&S Food range, the store will carry the full Remarksable Value range, which has expanded to 175 products, with everyday shopping-list staples benchmarked against competitor prices while maintaining the quality, sourcing, ingredient and welfare standards customers expect from M&S. Customers will also find a series of new and upgraded areas designed to make the store feel easier to shop in, from fresh market-style produce and bakery counters to kitchen essentials, floral and horticulture, frozen fruit, pet food, organic ranges and family-friendly features including mini trolleys for children. To mark the opening, the Godalming team welcomed a queue of customers from 8am, with opening-day activity including a giant inflatable Percy Pig outside the store and special Godalming tote bags for the first customers. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “We’re doubling our Food business with investment where family customers are asking for it most: bigger, better stores and more trusted value on the products families buy every week." “Godalming is our biggest ever standalone Food store and an example of the kind of modern, full-range Foodhall we’re investing in as we double the size of the business. It brings together the full M&S Food range, more space for the weekly shop and the latest store design so customers can get everything they need in one trip, without compromising on the M&S quality they expect.” Amelia Holiwell, Store Manager at M&S Godalming, said:  “We welcomed so many excited customers this morning at Godalming, and I’m so pleased that they all had a fantastic reaction to the new store. The team of 80 new colleagues has worked incredibly hard to get the store ready and we’re really proud to open a Foodhall that brings the very best of M&S Food to Godalming, from fresh produce and bakery to family favourites, great value and everyday essentials.” The store is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the organisers of the county’s newest airshow on a ‘behind-the-scenes’ networking opportunity for members and other businesses. The inaugural Hampshire Air Festival is an aviation-themed, family-friendly weekend designed to celebrate 'The Age of Flight' through flying displays, static and heritage aircraft, pyro aerobatics, drone displays, fireworks and a STEM learning area. It takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome near Andover on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026. On the eve of the show, Friday 11 September, Hampshire Chamber will host a behind-the-scenes networking day at the aerodrome starting at 10.30am. Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a prime opportunity for representatives from our members and other businesses to meet, connect, have fun and potentially collaborate on business ideas in an atmosphere that breaks away from the usual." “It is networking with a real difference, bringing the business community together in a unique aviation setting. We’ll be surrounded by aircraft, equipment and aviation industry themes that reflect the power of engineering, scientific insight and innovation. There will be a keynote speech, topical business presentations, scope to ask questions of pilots and other aviation experts and the chance to see aircraft landing. We hope it will inspire fresh thinking and new connections.” Festival organiser Jonathan Moore, founder and Chief Executive of owner Montserrat Events, said: “Thanks to our exciting new partnership with Hampshire Chamber, we anticipate business professionals from across the region will attend what promises to be a meaningful and enjoyable networking day with an aviation theme.” Joining members from Hampshire Chamber for the networking day will be representatives from fellow event partners Omni Business Development Network and Total Business Network. Thruxton Aerodrome began as a Second World War airfield, built in the early 1940s for fighter, transport and glider operations. When the war ended, flying activity shifted to training and general aviation, and the airfield moved into civilian hands. Motor racing arrived soon after. In 1950 motorcycles began using the old runways and perimeter roads, followed by car racing in 1952. The wartime surfaces didn’t hold up for long, so the site was redeveloped during the late 1960s into a purpose-built circuit. The new track opened in 1968 and quickly became known as one of the fastest circuits in Britain. Today Thruxton carries both histories. The aerodrome continues to operate for aviation training and private flying, while the circuit remains a major fixture in British motorsport. For more information on the Hampshire Air Festival visit here.

Radfield Home Care has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards. The home care franchise is in the running for Franchisor of the Year - Expanding and Franchise Support, reflecting the growth of its UK network and the investment made in helping franchise partners build stronger businesses. Founded by siblings Dr Hannah MacKechnie and Alex Green, Radfield has grown to 36 offices, supporting more than 1,100 clients and employing 840 care professionals. Network turnover has more than doubled from £10.3m in 2022 to £24.7m in 2025. Radfield’s double shortlisting is underpinned by its ASCENT Pathway, which provides commercial and operational support at each stage of a franchise partner’s development. The company was also recognised in both 2022 and 2025, receiving the Princess Royal Training Award for its support of franchisees. Its collaborative approach and robust process have led to every Radfield office inspected by the Care Quality Commission being rated Good or Outstanding, with 33% holding an overall Outstanding rating. Alex Green, co-founder and CEO of Radfield Home Care, said: “Being shortlisted in both categories shows how far the network has come. Growth and support have to go together. Opening more offices means little unless franchise partners are building strong businesses, creating local jobs and delivering consistent care." “When we won Emerging Franchisor of the Year in 2019, we were still putting much of the structure behind the network in place. Since then, our franchise partners and national office team have worked hard to build a model that gives each business the support it needs at every stage.” Julie Scott, owner of Radfield Home Care Chester & Ellesmere Port, grew turnover from £760,000 in 2024 to £1.1m in 2025, an increase of 44%. She said: “The support from Radfield’s national office has developed with the business. In the earlier stages, we needed help with building local demand and putting the right systems in place. As we have grown, the conversations have moved towards performance, team structure and where we go next." “The team understands where we are and will challenge us on what needs to improve. That has helped us grow without losing sight of the quality of care we provide.” Radfield has received four consecutive five-star franchisee satisfaction ratings from WorkBuzz. Staff turnover across the network is 14%, compared to a sector average of 29%. Additionally, 95% of clients surveyed in 2025 said they would recommend the company. It was also awarded the Gold award for Most Outstanding National Home Care Group and Franchise Network at the 2026 Home Care Awards. The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards will be announced at Telford International Centre on 12 November 2026.

An Aberdeenshire sports coach has delivered free sports coaching to 7,000 pupils through weekly sessions at rural primary schools across the region, a year after launching his business with support from Business Gateway. Robert Bartlett set up Fit-Ba Sports in August 2025 to run health and wellbeing sessions through sport for children at schools throughout Aberdeenshire. Each week, pupils take part in coached sessions designed to build fitness, teamwork and confidence through a range of sports and activities. The business now reaches children at Auchterless, Crudie, Fyvie Primary, King Edward Primary, Monquhitter, Ordiquhill and Turriff Primary schools, with Robert having delivered over 400 across the schools in the past year. Robert previously worked as a sports coach for a charity in Aberdeen City, running free sessions for pupils during the school day. Living in Turriff, 45 minutes from Aberdeen, he saw that children in rural parts of Aberdeenshire had no equivalent access. Families faced extra costs, such as travel, and no organisation nearby offered the service to schools. Robert first approached Business Gateway with the aim of running sessions in four schools. Cameron Shore, his Business Gateway adviser, provided expert one-to-one guidance to help him get started. Through Cameron's support in signposting funding, Robert was able to apply for the Aberdeenshire Start-Up Grant and received £1,000, which he used to buy sports equipment and improve the quality of his sessions. Cameron also advised Robert on the legal requirements of running a business and worked with him on his marketing and sponsorship approach. Robert has since secured backing from several local businesses, which has helped him expand into three more schools and improve what he can offer pupils. He also received a day of one-to-one marketing support through Business Gateway’s Expert Help service. Robert Bartlett, owner of Fit-Ba Sports, said: “This first year has gone past so quick, with more than 400 sessions held across the schools and some magical moments throughout. Developing skills and techniques is important, but it's just as important to give every child access to different sports and activities, and the confidence to try something new." "The sessions have been full of smiles, teamwork and children stepping outside their comfort zones. Their confidence and effort has grown massively, and I'm incredibly proud of them all." "This year also saw 35 P7 pupils join our Rising Stars programme, developing leadership skills by supporting younger pupils. That's given them life skills they can carry into secondary school and beyond." “Business Gateway has been a huge part of making this growth possible. The support means I’m now able to work across more schools and deliver a better experience for the kids because of it.” Cameron Shore, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Robert came to us with a clear idea and a genuine gap to fill. Rural schools in Aberdeenshire don’t always have access to the same opportunities as those in the city, and Robert set out to change that and has made a real impact in the local community." “Watching a first-time business owner turn a personal conviction into something this many children benefit from every week is exactly why I do this job and I look forward to continuing to support Robert as he develops Fit-Ba Sports.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Wealthy UK-based families are increasingly considering the Channel Islands as a “near-shore, offshore” option as they reassess where they live, work and structure their affairs following the abolition of non-dom status, according to Rathbones’ offices in Jersey and Guernsey. New statistics from HMRC this week, the final publication under the old regime, showed a fall in the number of non-domiciled and deemed domiciled taxpayers, down to 81,900 in 2024/26, with combined tax and National Insurance liabilities of £13.6 billion, a 9% year-on-year increase, underlining the economic significance of this internationally mobile group. The prospect of higher taxation and greater complexity is prompting some high net worth individuals to look again at where they plan, manage and preserve their wealth. Research by Rathbones earlier this year showed that nearly 6,000 entrepreneurs left the UK between 2024 and 2026. Rathbones Investment Management International, part of Rathbones Group, said the data release should be seen in the context of a broader shift in global wealth planning. Tax remains important, but families are also weighing political stability, legal certainty, safety, education, healthcare, connectivity and quality of life. Marc Nightingale, Senior Investment Director in Jersey, said: “The latest non-dom statistics are a useful moment to take stock of how international wealth is moving, but they are not the full story. The end of the UK’s non-dom regime has sharpened conversations about mobility, but tax is only one part of the decision." “Families are thinking more broadly about resilience, optionality and where they can build a secure base for themselves and the next generation. For some, that may be the Channel Islands; for others, it may be another international hub. The common theme is the need to bring tax, investment, succession, governance and lifestyle considerations together.” While a number of destinations have become known for welcoming the internationally mobile, Jersey actively seeks to attract entrepreneurs, business owners and investors who can make a long-term contribution to the island. Through its High Value Residency programme, applications are assessed not only on financial criteria but also on the prospective economic and social contribution individuals can make to the community. Rob Broughton, Senior Investment Director in Jersey, said: “Jersey is a good example of how priorities are changing. Clients expect a well-regulated international finance centre, but what often matters just as much is connectivity, schools, safety, lifestyle and access to high-quality professional services." “We are seeing entrepreneurs, business owners and investment professionals who want to remain internationally active while building a better long-term base for their families. The decision is rarely about one factor; it is about how wealth, work, family and future plans fit together.”

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced that The Bonnie Badger will return to its historic name, The Golf Inn, as the much-loved Gullane venue prepares for a major transformation. The venue will continue to operate until later this year, when it will close for refurbishment. Works are expected to take place across autumn and winter, ahead of reopening in spring 2027. Returning the venue to The Golf Inn name celebrates an important part of Gullane’s heritage, with the historic inn having served generations of local residents and visitors long before becoming The Bonnie Badger. The move reflects Buzzworks’ commitment to preserving that legacy while investing in the venue’s future. The Golf Inn will become part of Buzzworks’ signature House Collection, offering a stylish pub, restaurant and rooms experience where guests can eat, drink and stay while enjoying everything Gullane and the wider East Lothian coastline has to offer. The project also represents another step in Buzzworks’ expansion into accommodation. Once reopened, the venue’s bedrooms will provide an ideal base for golf breaks, coastal escapes, family visits and business travel in one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. Led by internationally acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the transformation will enhance the venue’s existing character while introducing the timeless, stylish and comfortable design synonymous with Buzzworks’ House Collection. Throughout the closure, The Bonnie Badger team will remain part of Buzzworks and be offered roles at the nearby Bass & Barrel in North Berwick, before having the opportunity to return to The Golf Inn ahead of its reopening. Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said: “Returning this much-loved venue to The Golf Inn name feels like the right way to mark the beginning of its next chapter." “The Golf Inn holds a special place in the history of Gullane and remains a name that means a great deal to many people in the community. As we invest in the building, we want to recognise that heritage while creating a venue that will serve locals and visitors alike, whether they are popping in for a coffee, enjoying a meal with family or staying overnight." “This investment is about building on everything that has made the venue so special over the years. We want The Golf Inn to remain a place local people are proud of, while creating a memorable experience for guests visiting Gullane and the surrounding area. We look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors when The Golf Inn reopens.” The venue will offer four room types - snug, comfy, spacious and sumptuous - with each bedroom combining boutique styling and thoughtful touches including premium linen, statement artwork, Roberts radios and rainfall showers. The largest rooms will also be suitable for families. Buzzworks is a B Corp-certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years. The group currently operates 25 award-winning bars and restaurants across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (under 51 sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards. To find out more, visit here.

Family Business United is delighted to celebrate the success of family-owned dairy producer Tims Dairy, which has secured new accolades at the 2026 Great Taste Awards, further cementing its reputation for producing exceptional Greek-style dairy products. Tims Dairy has been awarded a prestigious 2 Star Great Taste Award for its Greek Family Vanilla Kefir, one of the highest honours presented by the internationally recognised Great Taste Awards. Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, the Great Taste Awards are regarded as the world's most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Products are judged solely on taste by a panel of more than 500 expert chefs, buyers, food writers and food critics, making a two-star award a significant endorsement of quality and flavour. The latest success means that both of Tims Dairy's Greek Family Kefirs have now achieved 2 Star Great Taste Awards, highlighting the family's commitment to producing premium kefir with a rich, creamy texture, a gentle cultured flavour and the added benefit of being naturally lactose free. Adding to the celebrations, the company's popular Greek Family Blackcurrant Yogurt has also received a 1 Star Great Taste Award, recognising its outstanding taste and further demonstrating the consistency of quality across the Tims Dairy range. Founded on family values and generations of dairy expertise, Tims Dairy continues to champion traditional methods alongside innovation, using fresh British milk and family recipes to create products that are both delicious and nutritious. Commenting on the awards, the team at Tims Dairy said: "We are absolutely thrilled that our products have once again been recognised by the Great Taste Awards. To see both of our Greek Family Kefirs achieve two-star status, alongside a one-star award for our Blackcurrant Yogurt, is a fantastic achievement and a tribute to the passion and care that goes into everything we make. We would like to thank everyone who chooses Tims Dairy and the Great Taste judges for recognising what matters most – outstanding taste." Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, added: "Family businesses are renowned for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship and consistency, and Tims Dairy is a wonderful example of that ethos in action. These awards are thoroughly deserved and reflect the passion, dedication and attention to detail that family-owned businesses bring to everything they produce. Congratulations to the entire team on this fantastic achievement." The latest awards reinforce Tims Dairy's position as one of the UK's leading producers of premium Greek-style yogurt and kefir, with products that continue to win over consumers and industry experts alike through exceptional flavour and quality.

An expanding property finance firm has appointed an experienced commercial performance specialist to strengthen its growth journey and support services for brokers and developers. Charlotte Downing has joined Poole, Dorset-based MSP Capital as the 45-year-old principal lender takes forward a strategy to build a loan book worth £750 million by 2030. As Head of Commercial Performance, Charlotte will help drive the firm’s growth ambitions by applying data and insight to support decision-making, advise on effective sales activities and identify business opportunities. In more than a decade of work across asset finance and alternative lending, Charlotte has held senior roles at providers Simply Asset Finance and Triple Point. Among her responsibilities, she has led operational transformation, technology change and commercial improvement initiatives. An active contributor to the wider finance industry, Charlotte sits on the Leasing Foundation Board and co-leads The Network, a community supporting women across the asset finance and alternative lending sectors. Adam Tovey, MSP Capital’s Commercial Director, said: “Charlotte brings extensive experience in improving broker and customer growth journeys through building the processes and infrastructure needed to support businesses as they scale." “Her knowledge of business performance, how to drive operational efficiencies and how to use data and technology to support sustainable growth will be of huge benefit to us and our customers.” Charlotte said: “I look forward to applying my industry experience to strengthen MSP Capital’s commercial performance. “It’s an ideal opportunity to use data and insight to underpin and benefit decision-making, enhance sales effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth.” Charlotte’s appointment follows the recent arrivals of fellow industry professionals, Michael Halsey, Business Development Manager, and Richard Cargill, IT & Transformation Director, both tasked with helping to drive growth. A decision by MSP Capital to cut rates on bridging and development loan products in the past few months was enabled by a ‘game-changing’ facility of £350 million agreed with investment partners J.P. J.P. Morgan, the world’s largest bank, and Pollen Street Capital in a bid to generate more flexibility for competitive lending. Alongside MSP Capital’s ongoing retained lines with Pollen Street Capital and Shawbrook Bank, the agreement has increased total funding capacity to £485 million. And J.P. Morgan has the potential to provide additional funds giving scope to achieve the £750 million loan book ambition over the next four years.

Leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has appointed Graeme Bain as Head of Restructuring. Graeme, who takes up the role with immediate effect, will lead the firm’s restructuring business line, supported by partners Donald McNaught and Richard Bathgate. Donald, who previously led the team, will continue to play an important senior role, focusing on a targeted portfolio of strategic work. Richard will maintain a strong focus on business development and external engagement, helping to further strengthen the team’s profile in the market. The transition also follows the recent progression of Sarah Bedford to an appointment-taking director, adding further depth to Johnston Carmichael’s experienced restructuring team across Scotland. The move comes as businesses and individuals continue to face significant headwinds across a range of sectors, with many seeking clear, commercial and practical advice when navigating financial distress, turnaround options and formal restructuring processes. Graeme Bain said: “I am extremely proud to lead Johnston Carmichael’s restructuring team at a time when the importance of clear, practical and commercial advice really can’t be underestimated. Our team has great strength and depth across a range of sectors. It’s exciting to be stepping into this role as we continue to support directors, creditors and other stakeholders through a range of complex and often challenging scenarios." “The restructuring market continues to evolve, and our focus remains on giving clients the clarity and confidence they need to make informed decisions at critical moments.” Mark Houston, Chair and Senior Partner at Johnston Carmichael, said: “At a time when many businesses are having to make important decisions in challenging conditions, the role of experienced, trusted advisers is more important than ever." “Graeme has built an excellent reputation with clients and colleagues alike, and his leadership will help ensure we continue to provide the depth of support businesses need as they respond to changing conditions.” Lynne Walker, CEO of Johnston Carmichael, said: “Graeme’s appointment reflects both the strength of our restructuring team and the importance we place on long-term succession planning across the firm." “He brings considerable experience, technical expertise and a clear understanding of the challenges facing businesses and individuals in the current market. Under his leadership, and with the continued support of Donald, Richard and the wider team, our restructuring practice is well placed to continue delivering the practical, commercial advice our clients need and value.” Johnston Carmichael’s restructuring team advises businesses, directors, creditors and individuals across solvent and distressed situations, providing support on turnaround, contingency planning, formal insolvency and restructuring options.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published its latest statistics on workplace pension participation and savings trends. Commenting, Rebecca Williams, Financial Planning Divisional Lead at Rathbones, one of the UK's leading wealth and asset management groups, says: “The latest workplace pension figures are a timely reminder that automatic enrolment has been one of the UK's most successful pension reforms. Since its introduction in 2012, it has helped millions more people start saving for retirement while benefiting from valuable employer contributions that might otherwise have been missed." “The fact that around nine in 10 eligible employees are now saving into a workplace pension is a significant achievement. With employers accounting for more than 60% of workplace pension saving, automatic enrolment continues to play a vital role in improving long-term financial security." “However, the conversation now needs to move beyond participation and focus on pension adequacy. Getting people into pensions was only the first step. The bigger challenge is ensuring they are saving enough to achieve the retirement they want." “Our research suggests today's Generation Z could require pension wealth of more than £3 million for a comfortable retirement, or around £2.4 million when applying the 4% withdrawal rule. While these figures may seem daunting, they reflect the reality of longer life expectancy, inflation and rising living costs over time." “It's also notable that opt-out rates have edged higher. Cost-of-living pressures continue to squeeze household finances, making long-term saving harder for some people to prioritise. Meanwhile, lower participation among some groups and employees working for the smallest businesses shows there is still work to do to make retirement saving truly universal." “Too many people still treat pensions as a 'set and forget' product, despite them often being among their most valuable financial assets. Automatic enrolment has normalised pension saving. The next step is to normalise pension engagement, helping people understand whether they are on track, review contributions regularly and make informed decisions throughout their working lives. Otherwise, too many risk reaching retirement only to discover they have saved too little, too late.”

Emirates Engineering has launched Material Futures Studio, a six-week programme that challenges university students to reimagine retired aircraft materials and transform them into new products. Led by the Upcycling department within Emirates Engineering, the Material Futures Studio brings students together with aviation professionals to work on real-world industry challenges, encouraging fresh thinking while helping develop the next generation of aviation talent. The first edition brought together 23 students representing Khalifa University, Emirates Aviation University and the University of Sharjah. The programme began with an orientation and tour of Emirates Engineering's facilities, where students engaged with senior leaders and gained first-hand insight into maintenance operations like A-check and C-checks being carried out on the Emirates fleet as well as the upcycling shop where materials are being repurposed today. Over the next six weeks, students will use their learnings to come up with new concepts and ideas to upcycle and reuse aircraft materials into innovative products. They will be closely guided by team members from Emirates Engineering during the ideation and concept development stages. The programme will conclude with a final showcase, where students will present their concepts and prototypes for upcycled materials. By blending academia with industry, the initiative aims to equip students with practical skills and deepen their understanding of the engineering eco-system. It also provides the airline with an opportunity to engage with young talent while uncovering fresh ideas and driving innovation. Emirates has undertaken one of the industry's largest fleet retrofit programmes, a multi-billion-dollar investment to fully refurbish 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft and elevate the customer experience across its fleet. As part of this ambitious project, materials retrieved from retrofit aircraft are being repurposed through upcycling initiatives led entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering in Dubai. The dedicated team is transforming retired aircraft materials into handcrafted, artisanal products that aim to reduce waste. Material Futures Studio builds on the airline’s broader upcycling efforts, such as the Aircrafted by Emirates collection of limited-edition lifestyle pieces featuring a range of luggage, bags and accessories, all crafted from reclaimed aircraft materials. It also includes the Aircrafted KIDS initiative, which transforms fabrics and other materials recovered during the retrofit programme into handmade backpacks for children. To date, more than 4,000 backpacks have been donated to children across 11 countries. Click here to learn more about Emirates' retrofit programme.

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.