The Liverpool architecture firm designing a brighter future

Despite having many years of experience in business when he founded K2 in 2010, Kevin had never had any formal training on operational business management.

“Everything I’d learned up to that point, I’d sort of muddled through.

“The course gave me more confidence. It validated a lot of the things we were doing, and I learned a lot of other things along the way as well.”

Having the time and space to step away from the business and look at it more objectively was one of the most helpful aspects for him.

“Growth comes from looking at things that you probably didn’t take seriously at the start, like your vision and values. When you’re so busy working ‘in’ the business you don’t have the time or the headspace for that sort of thing."

Another of the most useful elements of the course for Kevin was the use of systems and models to provide structure when approaching new challenges.

“I’m a big fan of clarifying problems using simple models and solutions, so it was great to learn more about some of those.

“To me, they enable agency in terms of how you control your own thought processes, and provide structure and focus. They’ve really helped me to home in on the right stuff and actually get things done.”

One of the biggest changes the course enabled was the creation of a stand-out brand, centred around the business’s renewed vision and values.

A sense of purpose is now at the heart of all the work they undertake, with a focus on public sector and regeneration projects that create a lasting impact in their communities. 

“We knew we wanted to work on things that are interesting and stimulating, and we’re particularly focused on social infrastructure – all the things that make up a community like libraries, town halls, swimming pools etc.

“We’ve built a really strong brand, and our messaging aligns very strongly with the values of the public sector, such as accountability and transparency, which has been incredibly useful to us when it comes to having conversations with those clients.”

This impact-led ethos resulted in the company successfully gaining B Corp status in April 2024.

Kevin credits the mentor he was allocated on the course, marketing expert John Lowe, with helping them to drive their brand forwards.

“The time we had with him really helped us to focus and understand who we wanted to be.” 

Another lasting impact from the course has been a stronger and more productive team.

Kevin says that, when he signed up for the course, he already knew he needed a more diverse team, and that tools he learnt have helped him to create that.

“I had a realisation that I was only employing people like me! We’ve now got a much more diverse team. They’re more settled, more engaged, more balanced, and it’s working ten times better.

“I learnt a lot about how to incentivise staff and keep them engaged, but I also think the strong brand has helped too. People want to work in a business that has a strong sense of what it’s all about and has a clear vision.”

Productivity, which was a concern before he started the course, has also improved.

“Before the course, our utilisation rate was around 75%; today it is closer to 100%.”

The course helped Kevin get the right systems in place to monitor progress effectively, including competency-based job descriptions, with clear levels of career development, as well as a KPI dashboard that tracks performance both at individual and organisational levels.

“When staff perform well and are productive, they receive annual bonuses and paid training in an area of their choice. The system is self-sustaining: as employees focus on their growth and productivity, they help generate the resources that allow us to reward them in meaningful ways.”

Despite operating in a difficult climate, with clients who are particularly affected by uncertainties within the political landscape, the company has retained a steady turnover.

It has also, for the first time, become one of the top 10 practices in the Liverpool city region, based on net worth.

“Growth is not always solely about financials but in terms of market share, we’re up there and we’re competing with the big players. ”

Kevin credits the Help to Grow: Management Course with making the business more financially secure.

“It’s definitely helped us to build more resilience, more liquidity in the business. And the increased productivity has helped us to build big reserves.

“Most importantly, we’ve now got the structure in place to grow.”

Find out how the Help to Grow: Management Course can further your business here.