Changing Social are a people first Microsoft Partner, helping businesses make the most of their Microsoft tech investments. Set up in Bristol in 2018, the company supports small businesses and major international brands alike, earning them the title of Bristol’s Best Small to Medium sized Business of the Year. The business has grown organically - now boasting a team of thirty, they have delivered 200+ projects to some of the most recognizable brands around the world, with their revenue standing at just under £3m.
They’re a fast-growing organisation with global aspirations. With the US market in their sights, they turned to the Growth Hub for advice and support. Founder Steve Crompton explains:
“I’ll be honest, I was sceptical about the business support we’d be offered and whether the depth of knowledge would benefit us. But we saw the value very early on. The Growth Hub put us in contact with the DIT and GTM Global. We attended webinars and seminars and our questions about entering the US market, including the legal and tax implications, were answered. We made connections with US lawyers, accountants and business partners and we now have an office employing a team of eight up and running in Philadelphia.”
Support from the Business Advisory Board has also had a big impact on Changing Social. Steve says: “Once our revenue hit £2m we thought it wise to seek external advice to help us continue our growth trajectory. Being able to voice our ideas and have them challenged has proved invaluable. We were also given fantastic insights to help us defend against external threats, that may otherwise have been in our blind spot.”
Through the Growth Hub, Changing Social has also signed up to the Good Employment Charter. Steve says: “As a business we practice what we preach. It’s not just about revenue and growth, we want to build the best business we can. We need our people to share our principles, objectives, and values and so our employee experience is key.” At the heart of their rapid growth and future aspirations are their people. Changing Social have remained true to their core values of Lovability, Openness, Versatility and Enthusiasm, creating a team that carry these values into every piece of work they do.
Despite the challenging financial climate Changing Social have big aspirations. Over the next two years they aim not only to maintain but build on their 50% Year-on-Year revenue growth. Steve says: “We’ll need to be reactive and responsive. We’ll be investing in sales and marketing and we’re looking at training and developing our staff to maintain our high performing culture and achieve operational excellence.”
Steve’s advice to West of England Businesses: “Invest time to understand what’s on offer from the Growth Hub, you’ll get a huge amount of value to expediate your business growth.” With their commitment to continue to work towards being “the best company that they can possibly be”, Changing Social’s journey will be one to watch.
