Tecserv UK has been appointed as the national fire and security provider for Farrow & Ball, covering fire alarms, intruder alarms, emergency lighting, and extinguishers across 28 showrooms in the UK. Founded in 1946 by John Farrow and Richard Ball, Farrow & Ball has grown into a globally recognised brand, known for its distinctive paints and wallpapers. As part of this new partnership, Farrow & Ball needed a knowledgeable team to protect its retail spaces. Tecserv UK, which has its head offices in Underwood, Nottingham, will now be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of fire and security compliance across all UK showrooms. Colin Milligan, chief operating officer at Tecserv UK, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Farrow & Ball to manage their fire and security systems across the UK. At Tecserv, we pride ourselves on delivering a prompt, professional, and high-quality service, ensuring businesses have peace of mind when it comes to compliance and safety. “We look forward to supporting Farrow & Ball in maintaining the highest standards across their showrooms.” Mike Gould, Farrow & Ball property manager, added: “Tecserv are a wonderful company to deal with and we look forward to working collaboratively together in the future.”

Expanding or exporting overseas is a top priority for more than half (53%) of Midlands mid-sized businesses over the next year, despite complex international trade conditions. BDO’s Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses shows that companies plan to target territories such as Australia (43%), Africa (31%) and Asia (28%). Europe also remains a healthy market, with 53% focusing on the EU in 2025. Mid-sized businesses, which generated £1.6 trillion in turnover last year, are continuing to push for growth through international trade despite grappling with supply chain pressures. This includes uncertainty around tariffs in receiving countries, delayed deliveries or a shortage of the skills needed to support overseas exports. According to the BDO survey, more than two-fifths (41%) of Midlands businesses face skills shortages in export operations or supply chain management teams at a time when they hope to grow overseas trade. Mounting pressures come as demand from end consumers slows for products and services. Nearly half (44%) say lower demand from consumers, which could include from businesses with elevated operating costs or consumers with high living expenses, is one of the challenges they face over the next six months. Despite these headwinds, Midlands mid-sized businesses are working to tackle the challenges they face and remain optimistic. Ahead of the Government’s plans to publish a Small Business Strategy later this year, the majority (97%) expect the strategy’s focus on growing smaller firms to benefit them. Of this number, more than a quarter (26%) are calling for measures to reduce red tape, including reforms to streamline customs procedures, which impact the export of products and services overseas, or offer stronger support for exports and trade, including more dedicated UK Export Finance funding. These businesses may be buoyed by the Government increasing the amount some companies can borrow from the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme or UK Export Finance’s Export Development Guarantee, as they grapple with the prospect of new tariffs in some receiving countries. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Although economic conditions remain challenging, mid-sized businesses in the Midlands are highly ambitious and have their sights firmly set on driving growth, with overseas trade playing a central part in helping to realise those ambitions. “The forthcoming Small Business Strategy is one of many major opportunities for the Government to provide targeted support for the mid-market – support that will complement regional efforts being driven collectively by the West and East Midlands Combined Authorities that are aimed at reinforcing the Midlands’ role in the UK’s economic landscape.”

Botham Accounting, together with its sister company Botham Capital, has expanded into the heart of London’s financial district, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth. The business has taken office space at 99 Bishopsgate, a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street station. The boutique firm which specialises in the real estate and healthcare sectors was set up by managing director Andrew Botham in 2008 and has undergone rapid growth in recent years with turnover and staffing numbers increasing year on year by over 20%. In 2023, the firm established a debt advisory and finance brokerage; Botham Capital, with Wes Hodelin at the helm. The new office will initially be led by Botham Accounting director Tom Gregory, who heads up the firm’s healthcare offering; and Wes Hodelin, managing director of Botham Capital. Both will divide their time between the new office in London and the company’s headquarters in Nottingham city centre. Gregory said: “The London office is a natural next step for us. We advise clients all over the UK but there is a concentration of clients in London so for us to have a base down has always been on the agenda. With the office at Bishopsgate, we’re in a great location for transport links as well as being close to funders and lawyers that we work with.” The news of the London office comes just a few weeks after the firm returned to their main office on College Street, in Nottingham’s professional quarter following a three-month refurbishment project.