Photo caption: Alan Mak MP with Gary Medlow, Managing Director of Fasset
As nominations closed for the Havant Small Business Awards 2016 last week, preparations for the awards ceremony on Friday 29th April are stepping up. The News is the media partner for the Awards launched by Havant MP Alan Mak.
Langstone-based property management specialists Fasset are the major commercial partner for the event, and hope their own growth story from modest roots to national powerhouse will inspire local small businesses.
Havant MP Alan said that the facility management specialists were not only a success story in their own right, but were an inspiration to many local small businesses based at Langstone Technology Park, which Fasset manage, and around the Havant area.
Fasset, who pride themselves on providing business and property solutions for a range of commercial clients, have come a long way since the Millennium – when under the name Xyratex they were looking to accelerate and develop the growth potential of Langstone Technology Park. A slow evolution, including a rebranding to ‘Fasset’ and a major investment drive by 2005, set the company on the path to success.
In 2006 Langstone Technology Park was sold to an investment fund for £54.2 million, more than tripling its value in six years. Fasset was firmly established as the property management company at what is now a multi-occupancy business community and the rest as they say is history. Over the last five years, Fasset has expanded its reach, going from one site to managing eight science, business and technology parks across the UK including in Kent, Manchester and the North East, enjoying record occupancy rates and customer satisfaction levels.
Key to Fasset’s success is their provision of high quality working space to small businesses and entrepreneurs. One recent success story is Havant-based 3D modelling specialists Turbulent Designs. The start-up moved to Langstone Technology Park in 2015, attracted by its flexible office space, developed infrastructure and high-speed internet connection.
Within a year, Turbulent Designs were able to nearly double their office footprint and number of staff; and were even awarded a ‘highly commended’ accolade in the Portsmouth News Business Excellence Awards, ‘Start-up of the Year’ category. Now, with the Havant Small Business Awards 2016 around the corner, Fasset are determined to help other local small firms achieve similar success.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Fasset’s Managing Director Gary Medlow said: “The Havant Small Business Awards represent a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the enterprising spirit and unerring work ethic across our local area. It is great to see our local MP Alan Mak championing the causes of these small businesses.”
Mr Medlow added: “At Fasset, we have experienced both sides of the coin. From our humble beginnings, we recognise the challenges that come with building reputation alongside a robust business model; and now thanks to our success and experience, we aim to help other enterprising firms and individuals fulfil their potential. That’s why we’re backing Alan’s awards with the News.”
Alan Mak said: “We are delighted to have Fasset as headline partner of the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards. Gary and his team have grown Fasset from a small local business into a nationally acclaimed market leader. They’re not only a role model for other small businesses, they’re actively backing them too by supporting them at Langstone Technology Park and backing my Small Business Awards.”
The Havant MP added: “We received a high number of nominations and I want to thank local residents and News readers for their support. We’ll announce the finalists and winners over the coming weeks, and I expect one of them to be occupying a major space in Langstone Technology Park in the years to come!”