ABOUT US
Running Imp serves a wide range of events; from the London Marathon down to the multitude of fun runs and walks which occur around the country every weekend.The company also serves a wide range of other sports, including football and swimming, and schools and colleges both nationally and worldwide.
Based in Lincoln, the company has enjoyed continual expansion each year since its creation, growing from just 2 staff in 1988 to 32 permanent staff today – rising to 40 in the peak running season of April-June.
Our 4 Key Aims
At the core of everything we do at Running Imp are the company’s 4 key aims.
Service.
Advice.
Choice.
Value.
We focus upon these key aims with every decision we make and with every customer we encounter.
Our Values
When any new member of staff joins the team at Running Imp, they are introduced to our corporate values. These values shape the organisational culture within which we work each day.
- We are outward looking, customer focused and committed to delivering the product that the customer expects, every time.
- Our relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties are based on mutual respect, performance and a deep understanding of each others needs, they are long lasting and profitable for all.
- All our dealings and relationships are founded in integrity.
- Innovation is valued and actively encouraged. We are never complacent and constantly strive to move the business forward.
- Our people are empowered and supported to reach their full potential and thereby make their maximum contribution to the success of the business.
- We promote a learning environment in which individuals’ training and development is actively encouraged. We believe that if people in the business grow, then so will the business.
- Within our workforce is an invaluable mix of skills, professional experiences and personalities. At Running Imp there is no finishing line, we are constantly looking to progress and improve, and this is only made possible by the determination, dedication, and creativity of our employees.
Our Environment
As the market leader in our field we recognize our responsibility to take a leading role in promoting environmental good practice. Full details of our environmental policy can be seen here.
Our Story
1988
21 years ago, two PE teachers with a passion for running, Chris Illsley and Dick Hughes, created a company that would cater for all the requirements of a running race organiser.They called it ‘The Running Imp’. Chris and Dick, working from home, established the young firm as a true ‘one-stop-shop’ for event organisers, supplying everything from medals and trophies to signage and timing.After a year in partnership, the two decided to go in separate directions—Chris Illsley and Caroline Birkin formed Running Imp International Sports Ltd and Dick and Roz Hughes formed Running Imp Ltd/ Sporting Impact Ltd.
2000
Under the leadership of Chris and Caroline, the Lincoln-based Running Imp International Sports was soon enjoying rapid growth, and at the turn of the new millennium moved from rented units at an industrial estate to the purpose built new premises the company can be found at today; Millennium House.The foundation stone to the newly completed headquarters was laid by renowned television and radio personality and charity fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile OBE in an opening ceremony on the 27th June 2000.
2007
19 years since the creation of ‘The Running Imp’, Chris Illsley and Dick Hughes were to come ‘full circle’. Running Imp International Sports Ltd and Running Imp Ltd/Sporting Impact Ltd had become leaders in their field, but in 2007 Dick Hughes and his wife Roz decided to retire and after successful negotiations sold their business to Running Imp International Sports Ltd.
Today
Following on from 2009, which was not only Running Imp’s 21st anniversary year but also the company’s most successful year to date, Running Imp has unveiled a brand new division of the business specialising in the design and production of bespoke medals; bespokemedals.com.
Behind bespokemedals.com is a specialist team of Running Imp staff with years of experience within the bespoke medal market, driven by imagination and a passion to ensure that everyone who has worked so hard to take part in your event has something truly special to recognise their achievement.
A Message From
Our Directors
Welcome to bespokemedals.com! Here on this website you will find medal styles to suit all tastes, budgets and occasions.
With over 22 years experience in the manufacturing and marketing of personalised medals through our sister company Running Imp, we are firmly established in the UK as the market leader in our field and supply many European and International events.
We hope you find this online guide useful and look forward to producing your personalised medals that will be cherished for years to come.
Chris Illsley & Caroline Birkin
Managing Directors
bespokemedals.com
