We've Been Shortlisted for the Lincolnshire Business Awards!

We're thrilled to announce that we've made the shortlist for two awards at the prestigious Lincolnshire Business Awards 2022!

These two awards include the Family Business of the Year 2022 for Running Imp, and the Young Achiever of the Year for our CEO, Josh Illsley.

Family Business of the Year

Our beginnings are humble. Running Imp, the UK's first one-stop-shop for Sporting Event Supplies, was built from the ground up out of the living room of Chris Illsley BEM.

This labour of love grew alongside Chris and his family, with each member taking an active role during its growth. Even 35 years later, members of the Illsley family still proudly work at the company. These family members include three of his children, Head of Marketing, Molly, Financial Operations Manager, Laura and CEO, Josh. Chris now holds the position of Chairman for the company, and continues to have an input in the day-to-day running of Running Imp.

With the help of family and a strong vision, the business has grown from strength to strength. With Josh recently hitting his first anniversary as CEO, it's sure to continue doing so.

Young Achiever of the Year

Our CEO, Josh Illsley, began his career at Running Imp six years ago.

Starting as Operations Coordinator, he quickly absorbed the knowledge required to continue advancing, making Operations Manager in 2018. From there, he progressed quickly, becoming Operations Director, joining the Board of Directors in 2019.

As an events-based business that relies on large gatherings of people, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns proved challenging for Running Imp. Josh was up to the challenge, though, manoeuvring the business through the pandemic to come out strong on the other side.

Thanks to his keen leadership and industry knowledge, Josh was promoted to CEO, taking over from his father, Chris Illsley BEM. This well-earned progression now sees Running Imp working towards new heights of success, with Josh firmly at the helm.

The Lincolnshire Business Awards

The Lincolnshire Business Awards has been running for 18 years now. The goal of the Awards is to celebrate the success and achievements of local businesses. Whether that business is fresh on to Company's House or has been a mainstay of the local economy for years, everyone has a place at the Lincolnshire Business Awards.

The award dinner will be held at the Lincolnshire Showground on the 20th of October, 2022. We wish everyone nominated the best of luck!