One of HIC’s longest and most successful residents is RHG Consult. The company, founded by Lee Patterson and Sarah Douglas, has been part of our community for around three years. Since then, they’ve grown from just Sarah and Lee to a team of 14 and are now moving into bigger offices for the second time.
As well as working with High Street names and FTSE 500 companies, the company is also expanding both in the UK and internationally, having recently delivered training in Abu Dhabi. They are also bringing in new courses, like their IOSH approved Lead Accident Investigators Course.
“Our investment in people and technology has resulted in our delivery of niche apprenticeships such as Junior Management Consultant, Safety Health and Environment Technician, Improvement Specialists, and Associate Project Manager, along with other training such as train the trainer, leadership and management, coaching and mentoring and behavioural safety grow exponentially,” says Lee.
The team’s success has meant growth in business and personnel. “In terms of new staff, we’ve taken on Prity as our Health and Safety tutor, Sam, as a tutor and Business Development Manager, Emily as our leadership and personal development tutor, and we will be joined next week by Marcia who will be supporting the administration and delivery team,” says Sarah. “We are also fortunate to work with a fantastic team of associate tutors.”
Being at HIC has played a key part in the team’s success. The service and flexibility that the centre provides have enabled RHG Consult to concentrate on what’s important ” growing the business. “Things like being sure the phones will be answered whether there’s one of us available or not, help,” says Sarah. “If we had taken an office somewhere else, those calls would go to an answering machine. To have that kind of service has made a huge difference to our image with clients and our business growth.
“The centre’s management team are great,” she continues. “I can never think of a time when something’s been too much trouble. They always see what they can do. They’re always trying to make improvements and if anything goes wrong, they’re very keen to put things right. There’s always going to be the odd challenge here and there, but we know that they work hard to try to make sure everything is right.”
“We’re thankful for the support everyone in HIC provides,” says Lee. “The ability to upscale to larger offices within weeks, helpful staff, the availability of larger meeting rooms and the amazing food offered by the innovation cafe mean our staff and learners benefit from the amazing HIC experience.”
Harborough Innovation Centre is owned and supported by Harborough District Council (HDC). As the building owner, HDC also funds the Centre’s business support provision, providing the basis for expert business advice, mentoring and workshops.