Commercial fire and security alarm specialists Tecserv UK has announced the retirement of its founding director Grahame Tilley after 24 years with the company.
Grahame founded Tecserv UK Ltd in 2001 based on his passion to provide expert advice on fire prevention and building security. Over the years the company has grown from a start-up to become a multi-million pound enterprise with a £9m turnover that counts a myriad of local businesses as well as many high profile buildings and brand names as clients.
These include St Pauls Cathedral, The National Trust, M&S, Pinewood & Shepperton Studios, NHS, Harvey Nichols, B&Q and The Ritz & Bvlgari hotels.
In September 2022, Tecserv UK transferred ownership of the company to its employees following the completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This provided Grahame with an exit strategy and rewarded employees for their many years of loyal service.
The EOT gave employees a direct interest in their future and has resulted in greater productivity and innovation which last year led to Tecserv UK posting its best ever set of financial results.
Commenting on his retirement, Grahame said: “Tecserv UK was established on the premise of delivering exceptional customer service, quality products and support from an expert team of fully qualified engineers who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“We have thrived on these early beliefs, and I am really proud that they are now firmly embedded in our culture. The succession plan has successfully come to fruition, and I am confident the next phase of Tecserv’s incredible journey is in the safe hands of the senior management team and our team of fantastic employees.”
Following Grahame’s retirement, Neil Berrisford will assume the role of Chief Executive, Colin Milligan will become Chief Operating Officer, and Catherine McHugh will take on the position of HR & Finance Director. Supporting them is a robust management team dedicated to driving the business forward.
Commenting on behalf of Tecserv UK, Colin Milligan added: “Grahame has been an exceptional leader and the fact he chose an exit strategy that rewards those who have helped him grow Tecserv reflects his integrity and how much he cares for his team.
“He is a generous and charismatic person who gains the immediate respect of everyone around him. He will be sadly missed but should also be incredibly proud of his achievement and that his legacy is a business that has a hugely loyal team, a highly regarded industry reputation and solid financial foundations.”
