Uncategorized

New milestone for Showcase…!

We’re thrilled to announce the successful management buyout (MBO) of Showcase, marking a pivotal moment in our company’s journey. The future is now in the capable hands of our new leadership team – dedicated, long-standing members of the Showcase family – who are ready to steer us toward continued success and growth.

Ken Robson – Group CEO 

Ken Robson brings decades of experience in the interiors and workplace solutions industry to his role as Group CEO. Throughout his career, Ken has built a strong reputation for driving innovation, improving operations, and delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Career Highlights:

• Group CEO – Ken leads all aspects of Showcase, guiding the company’s strategic direction and operational execution to support ongoing growth and market leadership.
• Industry Expertise – With deep knowledge of the sector, Ken has been instrumental in delivering bespoke, high-quality projects across multiple industries.
• Operational Leadership – Recognised for streamlining processes and building high-performing teams, Ken’s leadership has been key to maintaining Showcase’s reputation for excellence.

Ken is committed to a client-focused approach and fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity. His strategic vision and operational expertise help keep Showcase innovative and adaptable. As part of the new ownership team, Ken is excited about the future, eager to set new industry standards and deliver exceptional results for clients and stakeholders.

Paul Barker – Sales Director, Automotive & Retail

Paul plays a key role in driving Showcase’s business growth. With extensive experience in strategic account direction and sales leadership, he is dedicated to building strong client partnerships and supporting the company’s continued success. His focus on operational efficiency and sales growth is a valuable asset to the team.

Career Highlights:

• Sales Director, Automotive & Retail – Paul leads high-value projects, ensuring successful delivery for major clients in competitive industries.
• Strategic Account Management – He has built and nurtured long-term client partnerships, consistently exceeding expectations and delivering tailored solutions.
• Industry Expertise – With years of experience in the interiors sector, Paul’s insights drive innovation and growth opportunities across the group.

Paul’s leadership is grounded in a focus on operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Dedicated to shaping the company’s future while upholding its reputation for exceptional service. His expertise in strategic planning, client management, and sales growth is vital to Showcase’s industry position.

Estelle Lee – Sales Director, Commercial Team

Estelle Lee has over 22 years of experience in the interiors industry, specialising in workplace design and client relationship management. As a Director at Showcase, Estelle has played a key role in the company’s growth and reputation.

Career Highlights: 

• Director, Showcase – Estelle is responsible for shaping the company’s vision, delivering innovative solutions, and maintaining strong client partnerships.
• Senior Roles at Showcase Interiors – Estelle’s experience spans various senior positions since joining in 2007, where she’s contributed significantly to the company’s development through design innovation and operational management.

Estelle’s collaborative, client-focused approach has resulted in long-term partnerships across diverse industries. As part of the new ownership team, she is committed to delivering exceptional workplace and interior solutions that continue to exceed client expectations.

David Watkins – Group Finance Director

David Watkins is an experienced financial professional with a strong background in supporting business growth and operational efficiency. As a key member of the new ownership team, David’s strategic insights and focus on financial stability contribute to Showcase’s long-term success.

Career Highlights:

• Group Finance Director – David joined Showcase in 2013, becoming Group Finance Director in 2019. He brings over 20 years of financial management experience, particularly in the furniture industry.
• Strategic Leadership – Known for developing financial strategies that align with business goals, David ensures profitability and long-term resilience.
• Operational Excellence – David’s attention to detail and process-driven approach has enhanced efficiency and supported successful project delivery.

David’s expertise in financial planning, strategic decision-making, and risk mitigation plays a key role in shaping the future of Showcase. His commitment to integrity and results-driven leadership ensures the company remains financially stable while seizing new growth opportunities.

The wider Showcase team is fully behind the new leadership group, helping to build on the company’s strong reputation. As we enter this exciting new chapter, we’re focused on continued growth and innovation across both Showcase Interiors and Showcase PSR, delivering exceptional solutions to our clients.

On Friday, 6th of December, we held Showcase’s Annual Winter Conference at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor alongside Showcase PSR and Renovo. Each year, our goal is to make the event bigger and better than before… after 18 years of hosting, that challenge has only grown!

However, as we’ve come to realise, the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. After a weekend to recover from months of preparation, our Events Team returned to the office to a flood of positive feedback, including one comment that perfectly encapsulated the day: “The whole day ran like clockwork, and many colleagues have said this was the best one they’ve ever attended!”

This year’s conference was a perfect example of the aspirations we have each year: to achieve a balance of team bonding, shared learning, and making a positive impact. As our team has grown into the hundreds since the first Winter Conference in 2007, maintaining our core objectives – strengthening teamwork, fostering collaboration, supporting sustainability, and contributing to charitable causes – has become more important than ever. We want everyone to leave the event feeling more connected to their role and colleagues, while also knowing they’ve made a true impact.

The day began with attendees arriving from our offices across the country. Warm reunions quickly set the tone for the day ahead. We welcomed new staff members, inviting them to introduce themselves and participate in a light-hearted icebreaker activity where their chosen partner had to hum a movie song for them to guess. While the participants were initially filled with hesitation, it wasn’t long before laughter filled the air. It was a simple but effective start, demonstrating that teamwork can be built through fun and shared experiences – and that nobody knows the Superman theme tune!

With the room engaged and spirits lifted, we moved into the presentations from each department, where managers shared updates on their teams’ successes over the past year. From design and marketing to sustainability and HR, each speaker took the opportunity to highlight the hard work and achievements of their teams. The applause and recognition that followed were a testament to the power of teamwork.

Our interactive sessions for the day, focused on sustainability. Staff were split into teams and given prompts related to key sustainability topics like Decarbonisation, Education, Waste, and Procurement. Each team had to create and perform a scene, with the other teams guessing the topic. The props – ranging from inflatable palm trees to fake moustaches – brought a playful and creative edge to the session. Not only was this an entertaining exercise, but it also reinforced the importance of understanding these critical issues across the whole team.

The afternoon’s highlight was our surprise charity team-building activity: constructing performance wheelchairs for More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making sports accessible for people of all abilities. MLCT’s representative, Charlotte Thornton White gave an inspiring presentation, highlighting the challenges faced by the organisation and the pressing need for updated equipment. It was made clear that the wheelchairs we were preparing to build would have a huge impact, enabling MLCT to launch a wheelchair basketball team and give more individuals the opportunity to participate in physical activities.

The activity was fast-paced and energising, as teams raced against the clock to assemble their wheelchairs. In addition to constructing the wheelchairs, teams participated in mini-challenges to earn the wheelchair components. The challenges included creative photo tasks and high-energy wheelchair simulations, where teams competed in 1v1 virtual races. The room was buzzing with excitement as teams worked together to complete their tasks.

The event reached its peak during the wheelchair relay basketball finale, which was judged by Charlotte from MLCT, a wheelchair user herself who saw some very interesting techniques! The cheers of encouragement created an atmosphere of both camaraderie and friendly competition. The winning team was announced, the celebration was joyful – but the true victory came from knowing that the wheelchairs would help empower individuals with disabilities and create lasting change in the community. The winners were awarded sustainable reusable medals that could be planted into wildflowers. Our sustainability initiatives were also extended by planting a tree on behalf of each attendee, making sure that the positive impact of the conference continued to grow long after the event had ended.

Reflecting upon the impact of our donations, Charlotte Thornton White said: “Thank you again for the donation of the 10 multisport wheelchairs, I cannot express how much of a difference these will make for disabled people accessing physical activity…”

To conclude the day, we changed into our best dress and we reconvened in the venue’s stunning 1870 chapel, where we enjoyed a three-course meal. To the team’s surprise, the evening featured a performance by ‘singing waiters,’ adding an unexpected twist to the evening. The festivities continued with singing and dancing, bringing the day to a fun and lively close.

As we reflect on Showcase’s Annual Winter Conference 2024, we’re proud of what we achieved together throughout the year. The success of the event is a direct reflection of the dedication and passion of our entire team.

We look forward to continuing our growth, taking on new challenges, and making next year’s all-round efforts even greater! Until then, we’ll cherish the connections we’ve strengthened, the lessons we’ve learned, and the positive change we’ve made together in the spirit of teamwork and community.

Last month, we held a Harvest Festival collection across our offices, supporting our long-term charity partner, Cardinal Hume Centre, along with local food banks 3food4u in Ongar and City Harvest London.

We’re proud of our teams’ generosity and hard work, which has helped provide meals for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and hardship. Extended thanks to 3Food4U for giving us a warm welcome and a guided tour of their space, and to City Harvest for their dedication in helping us distribute these essential items.

Showcase made our final Harvest Festival delivery to Cardinal Hume Centre. During our visit, we toured the Centre and revisited the rooms our teams had previously designed and furnished, receiving updates on the positive impacts they have had throughout the year. We dedicated the day to taking inventory of our donations and reorganising the Centre’s stock shelves, helping to streamline their process for distributing food to those in need. It was a great chance to collaborate and contribute to the Centre’s outstanding work.

Across the group, we’re proud to have donated nearly 400 items, bringing tangible support to homeless young people, families facing the housing crisis, and others facing hardship.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Harvest Festival. Together, we are making a difference!

As we enter the season of giving, we encourage everyone to support local causes if they can. Small acts of kindness truly make a difference.

Our Ongar and London offices hosted their own Coffee Mornings once again this year, raising a fantastic £334.00 in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. We’re absolutely whisked away by everyone’s efforts and generosity!

Together, we’re helping provide vital support for patients going through treatment for cancer, aiding them in navigating their journey.

A huge well done to the team for baking it such a success!

If you’d like to join us in support this wonderful cause, you can donate here.

JP Morgan, in partnership with Beauhurst, published their annual ‘Top 200 Women-Powered Businesses‘ List last week. We are more than excited to discover that Showcase Interiors have ranked in the list, being recognised for our wide-range economic contributions as a women-owned-and-led businesses.

Accompanied by an annual report exploring the growth and innovation across various sectors, JP Morgan is shedding light on the importance of gender equity and connecting women with opportunities to succeed in their professional and personal lives.

Overall, the report analysed 14,555 women-led companies in the UK and ranked the top 200 based on growth in sales and headcount. We are honoured to have made our first feature in the list, which has been running annually since 2021.

As a woman-owned company, we remain dedicated to creating more opportunities, empowering voices, and leading by example – not just within Showcase, but across the broader business landscape.

Reflecting upon the achievement, Showcase’s Emma Boreham says: “I was hugely honoured to have received this news. I can honestly say that I’m incredibly proud to be sat amongst a group of individuals who understand the importance of equality. Its key to our team ethos across the businesses, and has fundamentally been at the core and driven some of our success stories to date…”

We extend our gratitude to JP Morgan and Beauhurst, and our congratulations to all the other women who featured! Together, we are redefining what’s possible, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for women in business…

Throughout September, the Showcase Group has united in support of Children with Cancer UK, a cause that means so much to us all.

Our teams across Showcase Interiors, Showcase PSR Portsdown, and Renovo Services LLP have proudly worn yellow ribbons to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Whether in the office, performing site visits, or even walking our office pups, we’ve made sure to be loud and proud in raising awareness and sparking conversation about this vital cause.

If you’re able, we invite you to join us this September in donating to Children with Cancer UK to support children battling cancer: Make A Donation | Cancer Donation | Children with Cancer UK

Every small act of support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families.

A huge congratulations to our incredible Showcase Shiners who took part in the Shine Night Walk for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) this weekend! Our amazing team completed the challenging 10km walk through West London in 2 hours and 20 minutes – just before the rain poured down!

The evening was perfect for taking in the sights, walking through iconic locations like Chelsea, Buckingham Palace, Sloane Square, and crossing both the Chelsea and Albert Bridges before finishing at Battersea Park.

We are immensely proud of the team, who have already raised over £1,450 for this important cause. Cancer research touches so many lives, and every contribution helps make a difference. If you’d like to support, there’s still time to donate! Every donation, big or small, counts: Showcase Shiners (cancerresearchuk.org)

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Showcase Shiners so far. Well done, team – you’ve made us all incredibly proud!

Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people will receive the devastating news that they have cancer.

That is why, this September, we are proud to be supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – a cause incredibly close to our hearts both personally and as a business.

In 2022, as a company-wide initiative, we engaged with the incredible Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, supporting them by building and donating bikes to young people to improve both physical fitness and mental well-being following their treatment. Teens Unite strives to aid young people not only physically, but also in making friends and learning skills.

“It’s given him the freedom and opportunity to get out and about and active again after all of his treatment and surgery.” – Mum of Finley, diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, age 13.

This year, we are proud to support Children with Cancer UK through donations, whilst equipping our teams across Showcase Interiors Ltd, Showcase PSR Portsdown, and Renovo Services LLP with Gold Ribbons to encourage conversation, awareness, and further support for such a vital cause.

If you are able to, we hope that this September, you will consider joining us in support of those living with childhood and teenage cancer:

Teens Unite Fighting Cancer | Support for teenagers and young adults living with and beyond cancer

Make A Donation | Cancer Donation | Children with Cancer UK

We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and engage with such critical causes.

Early doors on 6^th June and the entire Showcase group set-off on the 10^th Annual Summer Conference. Departing from Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports to celebrate, destination Dubrovnik, Croatia. Known for its medieval architecture, laid back culture, and paradise surroundings bordering the Adriatic coastlines, Dubrovnik was the perfect place to set the scene for the celebrations of a milestone year.

Having briefly touched down in Dubrovnik and the team’s first surprise was revealed as the coaches pulled up alongside the picturesque quay side, where a fleet of ten ‘Showcase’ yachts awaited. Leaving the still of the river, the impressive 10 strong yacht fleet dominated the open seas, creating another milestone moment. Mooring up in several scenic spots, some went for a dip, while others lounged on deck, soaking up the sun, often boat hopping to mingle. It was a fantastic way to bond, with laughter and conversation flowing freely as the yachts cruised side by side.

Replacing traditional team building tasks and challenges, Showcase’s approach fostered greater space for genuine conversation and new introductions perfectly matched by the calming surroundings.

Returning back to the hotel, it was time for the long-awaited BBQ on the hotel’s exclusive sunset terrace, with views of Dubrovnik’s old town and mountains. Traditional Croatian dishes were served as the sky turned to sunset. Teams mingled, making new friends with recent recruits and reconnecting with familiar faces. The evening ended on a high note with a lively disco, making the perfect end to a perfect day.

With an early start on the second day, we began our largest summer conference yet held in the hotel’s conference hall. With over 100 attendees, team managers shared updates and successes from across their teams with an outline for future ambitions and goals. Reports of the growth and achievements across Showcase, Showcase PSR, and Renovo outlined the group’s collective progress; with highlights being our expanding departments, sustainability targets, and project milestones.

Moving onto the conference’s breakout sessions, it wasn’t long before the competitive spirit present reappeared. The first challenge took place outdoors, and involved navigating bouncy balls down a track, only using one arm. The first challenge of the day sparked creative solutions, and admittedly, some cheating! The second challenge, a brainteaser, guessing team members’ names from a series of pictures.

With the conference closing, it was by no means the end. Back on the coach, the team received their first hint of the second activity. Receiving the ‘Dubrovnik Team Photo Challenge’ booklet made it evident that they were about to embark on a scavenger hunt through Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. The challenge presented the opportunity to explore Dubrovnik through its enclosed streets and alleyways, capturing images of famous landmarks such as the gargoyle head and the Jesuit Staircase. As well as learning about Dubrovnik’s culture, the task provided unforgettable memories that will be remembered through all the photos collected.

The team enjoyed some downtime after the challenge, with some returning to the hotel for a splash in the pool whilst others stayed on at the Old Town to explore the quaint shops. Before long, it was time to meet for our farewell dinner at the distinguished Posat, one of Dubrovnik’s top fine dining spots with open terrace views. It provided the perfect set-up for a relaxed and enjoyable evening, filled with great food and time to reflect on our experiences.

The warm hospitality and beautiful scenery were unforgettable, but it was the opportunity to connect with the team that made the truly special. Whether it was chatting on the yachts, competing in breakout sessions, or exploring the city, the event brought everyone closer after a busy six months.

Returning to our offices, the positive energy from our Summer Trip has remained, with team morale remaining high. Dubrovnik 2024 has reinforced the importance of team spirit and quality time, especially important amongst a growing team. As the team look forward to our next adventure, we continue working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the upcoming experiences can be even more memorable.

With feedback echoing ‘the best trip yet’ – Showcase Interiors mission accomplished!