RunActive
Treading in the Right Direction
When David Robinson set out to grow his business, RunActive, he had three key goals in mind: expand the brand’s online presence, increase footfall in his retail stores, and secure financial stability to grow his team. He was introduced to Victoria Elliott-Potter, Founder & Director of EPIC, and through twelve hours of dedicated, fully funded support provided through a Southend Business Support programme, they worked together to tackle challenges, refine strategies, and set RunActive on a path to greater success.
RunActive is a specialist retailer committed to providing high-quality running and active lifestyle products. Founded in 2012, the year of the London Olympics, the business first opened its doors in the seaside town of Leigh-on-Sea, Southend. With a passion for supporting athletes and fitness enthusiasts, RunActive offers expertly curated footwear, apparel, and accessories from the world’s leading sports brands. The team prides itself on combining in-depth product knowledge with a genuine love for sport, ensuring that runners of all abilities receive the right guidance and equipment to enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and improve overall comfort.
Whether catering to seasoned athletes, beginners, or those simply looking to stay active, RunActive has built a reputation for outstanding service and expert advice tailored to every customer’s needs.
Overcoming the Hurdles
In August 2023, David approached Let’s Do Business Group to access free support to help grow both his sales and team. He was then connected with Essex-based business consultant Victoria Elliott-Potter to discuss the next steps for RunActive’s future development.
Businesses in Southend-on-Sea can access a range of one-to-one support with an expert Business Advisor, covering areas such as finance, marketing, recruitment and strategic planning. Hosting fully funded workshops to learn new skills and providing access to free resources to help you stay on track with your goals, we can find a solution for your business, no matter the challenges.
Despite having a strong customer base, David faced several challenges. His online sales were significantly lower than those of his physical stores, and he struggled to engage with a younger demographic. At the same time, he was exploring new business opportunities, including the acquisition of a school outfitters business and the creation of a collaborative industry network to support independent retailers.
Through tailored one-to-one sessions, Victoria provided crucial support across multiple areas, starting with enhancing RunActive’s e-commerce strategy. Together, they refined the brand’s positioning, implemented a targeted marketing strategy, and evaluated partnerships. Victoria advised David on improving customer engagement through email marketing, social media, and video storytelling - all essential in helping RunActive connect with a broader audience and stay competitive in the digital marketplace.
The next major focus was retail expansion. With Victoria’s support, David assessed the feasibility of relocating the Upminster store to a larger space, ultimately leading to a strategic decision to move in summer 2024. At the same time, he reviewed the performance of his other locations and made the difficult but necessary decision to close the Billericay store at the end of its lease.
Recruitment and staffing were also a key part of the discussion. With the business growing, hiring new staff became essential to managing online operations and supporting the Upminster expansion. As a result, three new jobs were created, while several existing roles were safeguarded, ensuring job security for current employees while strengthening the company’s operational capacity.
“David is a very driven person and a fantastic entrepreneur, with altruism being a core value. His willingness to seek out and take advice has allowed his business to grow exponentially. Tapping into the experience and knowledge of others alongside his own passion for his industry makes him a force to be reckoned with. Active by name, active by nature.”
Crossing the Finish Line
Since working with Let’s Do Business Group and EPIC, RunActive has seen an impressive increase in revenue and a stronger foundation for future growth. With the relocation of the Upminster store now secured, and new strategic partnerships with suppliers and industry players continuing to evolve, David’s business is well-positioned for continued success!
Whether your business is just starting up or you are looking to grow, we can provide Southend-on-Sea Businesses with 12 hours of free, professional advice on finance, marketing, and recruitment, to help you succeed. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!