A MIDLOTHIAN fire safety and risk management company run by a former firefighter is expanding after securing a five-figure funding package.

Robert Richards Associates Limited is to expand its business offering to roll out eco-friendly extinguishers with no annual maintenance requirement with the funding package provided by Royal Bank of Scotland.

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The loanhead-based company provides a range of specialist training courses and risk assessment services and supplies equipment to businesses across the UK and Europe. The fire extinguishers are expected to save businesses 50 per cent of their current maintenance spend.

Ex-firefighter Keith Harrhy founded the firm in 2011.

He said: “I wanted to develop a business that was at the forefront of reducing the risk of fire through knowledge, intelligent management systems and quality equipment, and it has been growing steadily over the past eight years.

“We now have a strong client portfolio.”