RUNNING IMP – FIRST FOR EVENT SUPPLIES
Running Imp is established as the UK’s leading running event supplier, serving events from the London Marathon and Great North Run down to the multitude of fun runs which occur around the country every weekend.
Running Imp also serves a wide range of other sports, including football and swimming, and schools and colleges both nationally and worldwide.
Based in Lincoln, the company has expanded rapidly each year since its creation, growing from just 2 staff in 1988 to 32 permanent staff today – rising to 40 in the peak running season of April-June.
Our 4 Key Aims
At the core of everything we do at Running Imp are the company’s 4 key aims.
Service. Advice. Choice. Value.
We focus upon these key aims with every decision we make and with every customer we encounter.
Our Values
When any new member of staff joins the team at Running Imp, they are introduced to our corporate values. These values shape the organisational culture within which we work each day.We are outward looking, customer focused and committed to delivering the product that the customer expects, every time.
Our relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties are based on mutual respect, performance and a deep understanding of each others needs, they are long lasting and profitable for all.
All our dealings and relationships are founded in integrity.
Innovation is valued and actively encouraged. We are never complacent and constantly strive to move the business forward.
Our people are empowered and supported to reach their full potential and thereby make their maximum contribution to the success of the business.
We promote a learning environment in which individuals’ training and development is actively encouraged. We believe that if people in the business grow, then so will the business.
Within our workforce is an invaluable mix of skills, professional experiences and personalities.
At Running Imp there is no finishing line, we are constantly looking to progress and improve, and this is only made possible by the determination, dedication, and creativity of our employees.
Our Story
1988
21 years ago, two PE teachers with a passion for running, Chris Illsley and Dick Hughes, created a company that would cater for all the requirements of a running race organiser.They called it ‘The Running Imp’.
Chris and Dick, working from home, established the young firm as a true ‘one-stop-shop’ for event organisers, supplying everything from medals and trophies to signage and timing.
After a year in partnership, the two decided to go in separate directions—Chris Illsley and Caroline Birkin formed Running Imp International Sports Ltd and Dick and Roz Hughes formed Running Imp Ltd/ Sporting Impact Ltd.
2000
Under the leadership of Chris and Caroline, the Lincoln-based Running Imp International Sports was soon enjoying rapid growth, and at the turn of the new millennium moved from rented units at an industrial estate to the purpose built new premises the company can be found at today; Millennium House.The foundation stone to the newly completed headquarters was laid by renowned television and radio personality and charity fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile OBE in an opening ceremony on the 27th June 2000.
2007
19 years since the creation of ‘The Running Imp’, Chris Illsley and Dick Hughes were to come ‘full circle’.Running Imp International Sports Ltd and Running Imp Ltd/Sporting Impact Ltd had become leaders in their field, but in 2007 Dick Hughes and his wife Roz decided to retire and after successful negotiations sold their business to Running Imp International Sports Ltd.
2009
2009 was a very busy year indeed for everyone at Running Imp.
The year began with a brand new look for the company, as Running Imp launched a new branding campaign, adopting the trademark vibrant colours you can see today.
The Charity of the Year scheme was launched, whereby Running Imp will donate a percentage of its sales of dedicated products to help support a certain charity each year.
The company also surpassed its own record for sales of bespoke medals last year, selling over 1,800,000 medals to events in the UK and Europe
Today
Following on from 2009, which was not only Running Imp’s 21st anniversary year but also the company’s most successful year to date, Running Imp has unveiled its biggest ever brochure - 144 pages packed full of new and innovative ideas.So today Running Imp is looking forward to an exciting future, delivering all a running event could ever need with the highest levels of customer service and the lowest prices from the UK to the rest of the world.
Our Environment
As the market leader in our field we recognize our responsibility to take a leading role in promoting environmental good practice. Full details of our environmental policy can be seen here.
A Message From Our Directors
Welcome to our Running Imp website, packed full of new and exciting products at greatly discounted prices that will save you pounds.Having been shortlisted as one of three finalists in the pretigious Lincolnshire Media Business Awards 2009 for the Lincolnshire Bites Back Award (aimed to reward those who have hit back at the recession), we were overwhelmed when our name was read out as the winner at the glittering gala night awards dinner. In arguably one of the toughest trading times in over a decade not only have we bucked the trend but increased our full time staff to 32 – a testament to our 4 key aims, service, advice, choice and value.
We were also pleased to be able to present the Panathlon Foundation, our Charity of the Year in 2009, for £6,000 and would like to wish Ashley Iceton and his team all the very best for the future. This year we are pleased to announce that Leukemia Research will be our Charity of the Year so please help us to help them in their fight against blood cancers.
Finally, many congratulations to our daughter Kate (Senior Sales Advisor) on the birth of our first grandchild, Halle Grace, and thank you to all our customers, past, present and future – we wish you a successful event in 2010.
Chris Illsley & Caroline Birkin
Managing Directors
Running Imp
