BUSINESS REPORT


‘THIS YEAR


OUR TURNOVER IS UP 100% ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND WE ARE


PLANNING FOR THE SAME THING TO HAPPEN AGAIN’


BIG BEAR HEADS FOR A HIRE PLAIN


A firm which launched following a family crisis has seen its turnover grow by 100% this year and is predicting the same success again for next year. Oundle-based Big Bear Outdoor


hires and sells a wide range of trailers, roof boxes, bike boxes, cycle carriers and tow bars as well as trailer servicing. It was launched in May 2015 by husband and wife team Ian and Kate Simpson who decided to leave


their corporate careers after Kate was diagnosed with stage 4 advanced Lymphoma. Ian (pictured) said: “When Kate


was diagnosed we had two young children and we thought we were going to lose her. “After six months of intensive chemotherapy in Oxford, Kate went into remission and I started to question whether I wanted to be working incredibly long hours, commuting to London every day.


PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE


GROWTH ACCELERATOR Hundreds of businesses have already been through a free Entrepreneur Accelerator Hub run by NatWest. The hub is located in NatWest’s base in Silbury Boulevard, Milton


Keynes, and has already supported more than 350 local businesses, including firms from Northamptonshire, since it launched two years ago.


NatWest business growth enabler Asy Ho said: “It’s a completely


free programme which has been tailored to empower entrepreneurs at any stage of their career. Entrepreneurs are under no obligation to bank with us – we’re here for any entrepreneur who wants to grow. “It’s been very successful already and we’re proud to say we have


supported firms that have gone on to win top business awards.” Attendees work alongside like-minded entrepreneurs and can


access a range of benefits, including world class business coaching, online learning and coaching, regular action-focussed events, legal and technical advice and unique access to NatWest networks and teams.


To find out more email ASY.HO@natwest.com 16 inbusiness AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 “We started our hire business


with a roof box and a cycle carrier in our garage and by the end of the following year we’d moved into new premises and I was working full-time for the business. “This year our turnover is up


100% on the previous year and we are planning for the same thing to happen again next year.” Ian says their rapid growth is


down to the fact they only use quality products and provide a


great personal customer service which enables clients to be environmentally friendly and save money. The service is endorsed by Big Bear Outdoors five-star customer reviews. The firm is also already an


approved dealer for a variety of big name brands, including Thule, Brenderup, Cheval Liberte, Debon and Maypole.


Visit: www.bigbearoutdoor.co.uk


ROBERT WALTERS NAMED BEST LARGE RECRUITER


Robert Walters has been named Best Large Recruitment Agency in the UK in the 2018 Recruiter Awards. The judges cited Robert


Walters financial success, international growth, commitment to social engagement and its innovative approach in their decision to select the company as Best Large Recruiter. Chris Hickey (pictured),


Robert Walters CEO – UK, Middle East and Africa, said: “We're delighted to have been named Best Large Recruiter, and this success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff.


“This award comes in the wake


of our UK business having been recently listed in the 2018 Great Place to Work Awards and I'm confident that we will continue to go from strength to strength this year.” In addition to its win,


the firm was also shortlisted in the categories for Best International


Recruitment Agency, Best IT/Technology


Recruitment Agency and


Best Recruitment Agency Marketing Team, recognising its expertise in specialist areas of recruitment as well as its overall success.


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