Founder sounds final alarm after 24 years at Nottingham firm
Commercial fire and security alarm specialist Tecserv UK has announced the retirement of its founder, Grahame Tilley, after 24 years with the company.
Tilley established Nottingham-based Tecserv UK in 2001, driven by his passion for providing expert advice on fire safety and security.
In September 2022, Tilley transitioned ownership of the company to its employees through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
After Tilley’s retirement, Neil Berrisford will step into the role of chief executive, Colin Milligan will become chief operating officer and Catherine McHugh will take on the HR & finance director position.
Over the years, the company has grown from a start-up to a multi-million-pound business, generating a £9m turnover.
Its client list includes names such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The National Trust, M&S, Pinewood Studios, the NHS, Harvey Nichols, B&Q, The Ritz and the Bvlgari hotels.
Tilley 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 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.”
Milligan said: “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.”
