The secrets of successful business

Creating exceptional spaces from kitchen table to 25th birthday

However good the business proposition and however willing the entrepreneur – it is a sad fact that 60 per cent of all UK SMEs fail. It takes something special for UK businesses to thrive and survive, particularly given the economic turmoil of the last few decades. A shining example of a company bucking this trend is Active Workplace Group – an end-to-end office solutions company.

Colin Tarsey

Active was started in 1999, after founder Colin Tarsey, had a chat with his father about a business idea over a cup of tea at the kitchen table.

Don’t underestimate your support network

“You can’t underestimate the impact that having supportive family and friends can make when you start out,” states Colin, “Launching a business takes a leap of faith and my father encouraged me to just go for it. The cautious and comfortable thing would have been the status quo, work for a boss and take the salary; life was okay – but I had a niggling idea that I could do better.”

Initially Colin worked tirelessly managing office moves by himself with some contracted in muscle. Steadily, things began to expand, and the business needed to grow to keep pace with its own success. Adrian Powell joined as co-owner with Colin in 2007 to grow the business; not only did this up capacity, but also broadened Active’s market propositions.

Pulling in strategic partnerships

“At the time, some people said I was mad to give away half of the business.” states Colin, “But creating something bigger than yourself requires faith. Active wasn’t started as a vanity project – it was doing good things, but I recognised my limits.”

Building relationships & delivering the goods

A business goes nowhere without great communication and customer value. Active retains is its ability to truly connect with is clients. “In the early days we relied on word of mouth and recommendation,” says Colin, “and I am really pleased to say that this remains the case today. We are nice people to do business with, we don’t cover up issues, or over-promise and under-deliver; our clients are paramount.”

Steady growth

Adrian Powell

The financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic dealt a heavy blow to businesses across the UK but Active weathered the storm. In many ways, Covid-19 was as much about opportunity as risk. “We have seen a lot of companies downsizing, rightsizing and supporting hybrid work.” states Adrian Powell. “When you pivot your business, it makes sense to use a provider that is responsive and delivers results. That stood us in good stead. The groundwork in building solid relationships and an impeccable reputation paid off.”

Investment, sustainability & a rebrand

Active has invested in many areas over the last year. They refocussed the business, committed to an ambitious sustainability strategy, and not least, they brought in a dynamic new Managing Director in Ben Martin – tasked with taking the business to the next level.

“Active has such a great back story,” states Ben, “their results bely their size, and they have true resilience and potential.”

Active are marking their 25-year anniversary with a rebrand. “Many Active clients have had successful builds, great FM contracts, or smooth office moves with our team but remained unaware of exactly how broad our range of expertise was. Our goals are to cross-pollinate our client base and shout about all the really good things we can achieve because Active is greater than the sum of its parts – we are a brilliant team, true experts in our field – and most importantly – nice people to work with.” concludes Ben.

BOILERPLATE
Active knows all about creating amazing, sustainable spaces. We not only design, build, and refurbish, we also move and manage facilities. We are a leading ‘One Stop Shop’ for commercial spaces in the UK. We handle some of the biggest brands and they come back time and again because they love how we do business.

For more information visit www.activeworkplacesolutions.co.uk, email info@activews.co.uk or call 0118 944 2903.

-ends-