News from member companies

Welcoming FBRSeed

Duns-based Seed & Co and FBR Ltd of Kelso are delighted to announce the merger between the two companies as of 1 July 2019. Announcing the new name of FBRSeed, the company explained that the union will strengthen its position as a leading provider of rural estate management and professional services throughout Scotland and the north of England, as well as facilitating a wider range of services to its growing client base.

Doing it the Chapmans way pays off!

Delighted local entrepreneur and business owner Laura Chapman makes it to the final of the seventh annual Great British Entrepreneur Awards

“Owning your own business is full of huge highs and unavoidable lows. This is one of those highs”

Laura Chapman is one of six business owners to have made it to the Scottish final in the category of ‘Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year,’ where the judges are looking for those who are leading the way in their industry – demonstrating commitment, flair and offering something unique in their field, as well as sustained customer experience and satisfaction.

Laura said about making it as a finalist: “I’m absolutely over the moon. Owning your own business is full of huge highs and unavoidable lows. This is one of those unexpected highs and I’m just really proud of this achievement – in fact, I’m absolutely buzzing!”

Laura started up Chapmans property letting and management after quitting her job in the finance industry. Her journey as an entrepreneur happened completely by chance when her neighbour, who was moving into care, approached her for help in choosing which letting agent to use.

Laura was so concerned that she wouldn’t be well looked after, she ended up setting up Chapmans a week later.

Laura said: “We are in lettings – with such a strict Code of Practice (rightfully so) and in a highly regulated sector, one might think it could be very hard to think outside of the box and get creative with how you do business. For us, that has never been the case.

“I have an unstinting goal of providing the best service possible the ‘Chapmans’ Way’, with the friendliness, approachability and responsiveness of a small business with the best practice and processes of a larger corporate.

“And I believe this is what made me stand out to the judges and got Chapmans into the final.”