Karl Severn

After leaving school in Long Eaton, I gained my A levels at Beeston College (now Broxtowe) and from there I joined The Boots Company PLC in 1983 to pursue my career. During my time at Boots, I was sponsored through a degree in Business Studies on a day release program. After working in several departments, notably store planning and looking after store refurbishments, I achieved my position in Facilities Management in the office and site services. I oversaw their office services department, project managed new installations and the internal moves of large numbers of staff around and throughout different buildings.

I soon embarked on a new venture; having spent 12 happy years at Boots, I was approached by a supplier to join him selling office furniture. I joined Barry Smith at Office Innovations in 1996 and during the first ten years we sold office furniture. As our client base increased, we were asked to do numerous supply and install projects which eventually evolved into the Fit-Out company we are today, providing full Turn-Key solutions. Growing our relatively small business as an office furniture supplier of around £2m, to a £13m commercial Fit-Out company employing approximately 30 staff.