RKMS Group is a one-stop-shop for business compliance needs and business improvement, including HR, health and safety and fire safety and standards. The company is certified as carbon neutral via third party certification to PAS2060 and also holds certification to ISO9001, ISO14001 & ISO45001. It also holds a Government ESFA contract to deliver apprenticeships and has approval with numerous awarding bodies to deliver accredited qualifications.
CEO John Keen purchased the company in 2009 following seven years working as a freelance consultant and in 2024, RKMS celebrated 30 years in business. Here John shares his business inspirations, discusses the Boost support he received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.
We had identified a number of needs within the business namely to increase sales of our online compliance platform issosmart® and also to look at succession planning for the business.
We joined Boost's Growth Catalyst service and received one-to-one support for each of the directors in the business and an external view of the business which made us realise we had a massive opportunity if we changed the direction of the business and focused on the online space.
We asked ourselves some searching questions about the company structure and were put in touch with experts in the online area. We are still utilising this expert support 10 months later.
The benefits in engaging with external expert mentors.
Richard Branson – I have always admired his can-do attitude.
Providing business to business services that help other businesses succeed and grow. Seeing my kids (both now directors) grow the business further.
We have ambitious growth plans and are targeting the digital online compliance sector with a marketing strategy to become a major player in a sector projected to be worth £20b by 2030.
I like to arrive in the office early before anyone else to focus on the days tasks, when staff arrive I like to have a five minute chat with them, individually if possible, to discuss anything on their minds.
Lancashire is such a diverse location with a mix of leisure and tourism business to high-end manufacturing and engineering. Stunning locations with scenic nature reserves and coastal vistas.
Generally excellent transport links with the rest of the UK and three international airports in close proximity (well it would be three, if Blackpool Airport re-opened!).
There are two world-class universities located in the county supporting a wide range of further education facilities.
Do it. You have nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain! Business can be a lonely place at times and an external resource can give you a sanity check.
Be prepared to take criticism and use it constructively. You may be good; you may be running a successful business; but you may not know everything and reaching out for support can be invaluable.
If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.
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