UK Enterprise Awards 2021

203 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Best Commercial & Public Fit-Out Contractor 2021 – South East England Established in 1988, Rap Interiors is family business which, over the last 15 years, has grown into a full design and fit-out company that provides clients with the ‘wow’ factor for their workspaces. Working throughout the UK, Rap now consists of four directors, all of whom are related, along with an outstanding team who are also very much like family. Julie Anderson is the company’s Design Director. She tells us more about the clients and the firm’s ethos. “We transform schools, offices, wine bars, restaurants and entertainment venues; and every project is delivered with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction,” she says. “Our values reflect what we expect from family: honesty, commitment, loyalty and the ability to uphold promises.” No two jobs are ever designed the same, and the fact each department is headed up by a director means the internal communication remains consistent. Julie elaborates on the customer journey and how this is the key differentiator in distinguishing Rap Interiors from competitors. “From the first meeting with a client we are dedicated to creating a space that’s completely unique, inspiring and a reflection of their company culture. We embrace our values of looking after clients throughout the whole process and must be doing this right because of the many referrals we receive!” The staff members at Rap Interiors are friendly, hardworking and fast thinking, with time management, efficiency and delivering on promises being the key skills that Julie and the team look for when recruiting new staff members. “We have a great family culture in here; lots of laughs and all jumping to help each other,” she enthuses. “Our office has dogs so if you’re ever stressed a good run round the office with Otis or the new puppy, Bear, helps ease the pressure! We are also a sociable bunch: pizzas and breakfasts happen quite a lot - and then there is the Friday beer fridge! Many of us go out networking so it’s also about having the right type of person representing Rap.” The last year has presented a mountain of challenges to all businesses due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Rap Interiors was not immune to this. “The trends we are seeing now are typically requests for help to get businesses back to work in a more flexible way. Although some companies are downsizing and relocating, many are maximising their excess space and subletting. It is now about the clever use of furniture and how to create safe working zones as many business owners are finding their staff apprehensive about fully returning to work. It’s about designing that balance of use of space.” In the next 12 months, there will be a change in leadership at the top. For the past 30+ years, Julie, along with husband and Managing Director Rick, have steered the company through growth and change. After initially starting out as a fit-out company, it now operates with a design and furniture department and a website management team. Two further family members, Martyn and Parry, have recently joined the company after working out on site and are now helping to take the company forward. Both have the vast experience of delivering highly technical fit-outs and, over the last four years, have learnt how the office runs and how things all come together. “The team at Rap are all excited for the change,” Julie states. “Martyn and Parry are already focusing on new ideas and have established some good relationships with larger corporates which means we can look after bigger brands.” Having recently being crowned Best Commercial & Public Fit-Out Contractor 2021 for the South East of England in the UK Enterprise Awards, Julie and the team are delighted. She explains that this latest success is all down to having the right people on board. “We all live and breathe efficiency, so to be awarded this accolade has made the last very difficult year worth it. We proudly receive this award knowing that we do what we say and that this has been recognised.” Contact: Julie Anderson Company: Rap Interiors Ltd Web Address: www.rapinteriors.co.uk Rap Interiors is an experienced interior design, fit-out and refurbishment company with a passion for delivering cutting-edge interior transformations. We speak to Founder, Julie Anderson, about the firm’s vision for the future in the wake of its success at the UK Enterprise Awards 2021. May21458