ABOUT US

Ken Rand, our managing director tells you more about the company.

*What year was KRP established?
It was in 1976.

*What made you choose this type of business?
I worked in Formica Ltd. and developed relationships with architects, interior designers and builders who carried out interior shop fittings. I had a real interest in design, particularly related to interiors.
After some time, I felt a real desire to establish my own business, I didn’t have any vision of the business but knew that I had the skills to develop one and also, use my interests in design to do so.

*What was the idea behind it?
The idea was to supply successful design and built solutions. This has been our main objective until now.

*What were your initial projects?
When I decided to go self employed I was offered an agency with a shop fitting company. I took a book full of this company’s photographs of previous projects and worked out a calling cycle for the towns in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. I drove to one of these towns each day and called from shop to shop in the hope that I could sell products from the photographs.

*What was your first project?
The first thing I sold was a display stand to a florist in Alton.

*At what point did the business grow?
18 months later, the shop fitting company wanted to stop doing all the installation work and just focus on the manufacturing, so it was necessary for me to change from being a commission agent to a point where I was buying all the items directly and arranging for a set of fitters to do all the installation work. Then, it all extended to other works that were required like ancillary works: ceiling, flooring etc.

*How has your business changed in the last decade?
Primarily, Ken Rand Partners have developed a comprehensive range of furniture (www.kenrandfurniture.co.uk) and we have chosen particular focus areas for the company in reception, health care, education and retail.
The business is constantly adjusting and re-focusing and I think this has enabled us to ride out some of the difficult financial circumstances. Although, many changes have taken place along the way, we always seem to come back to our core idea.

*What are Ken Rand Partners today? What have you achieved?
Our testimonials make it clear that our work is not only a process of task fulfilment but there is also an emotional connection with each of our clients.
We highly value the relationships that have been built along the way with customers and suppliers.
Also, we operate on a Debt free basis for which we have both, pride and great thankfulness.

*Where is the company moving towards, what is your main goal at the present?
In current times when so many companies are concentrating on survival, Ken Rand Partners are growing.
We have a greater involvement in the medical and education sectors where refurbishment is an important key, alternative to new-build. Our significant skills in restoration and interior enhancement are particularly appropriate.

*What would you say is the aim of your company?
To always bring expertise to every situation with a servant’s heart.