FEATURE
Profile – Phoenix 2 Retail has been named as one of the UK ’ s fastest-growing companies .
I love being from the area and I ’ ve proved you can make a successful business from Hartlepool .
Through his running and triathlon challenges , Chris supports the charity Grocery Aid , which helps people in his sector affected by hardship , as well as raising money for Cancer Research UK .
“ Our region does have its challenges , but I hope people will see that it does pay off to invest in the area and explore what ’ s possible within the region ,” he says .
“ We have demonstrated that success here is possible and it ’ s great to see companies within the region working together and keeping opportunities within the region , as well as creating new opportunities for young people coming through school , college and university .”
On a personal note , the Kellys enjoy living in the region as they are near to their wider family members , who support them with both childcare and jobs within the business .
“ We had another baby a year ago so we ’ ve now got a one-year-old and a fouryear-old – that keeps us busy too !” says Chris .
“ I ’ m very fortunate – my parents and my wife ’ s parents help immensely .
“ My wife is very accommodating that I work long hours and I think it ’ s important that when you do come home , you are engaged in family life and ensuring the children have fun and enjoy their time with you when you are there .”
Chris ’ s running and triathlons also support him with stress relief from the demands of running a successful business .
“ I love running and this region has some beautiful scenery to take advantage of ,” he says .
“ When life is stressful and the business gets a bit too much , running is something I have found a bit of solace in .”
Chris has raised about £ 10,000 for Cancer Research and Grocery Aid and , at the time of writing , was embarking on a trip to Dubai to take part in the T100 Triathlon , where he was due to swim 80km , do an 18km bike ride and run a further 18km .
Phoenix 2 Retail ’ s runaway success also includes being named in the UK Fast
Growth Index for 2024 .
This puts it inside the top 50 fastestgrowing firms in the UK from 5.6m businesses nationwide – something Chris says everyone at the company is “ thrilled ” about .
“ It is the result of an enormous amount of hard work from our team over the past few years ,” he recognises .
“ It ’ s even more rewarding to have received this accolade following a period of challenges for our industry , during which time Phoenix 2 Retail has stepped up and taken a leading role in ensuring the products we supply come from authorised sources and are fully compliant .”
The UK Fast Growth Index ceremony was due to take place at the Bloomsbury Big Top in London on November 30 , when the company ’ s specific ranking within the list was to be announced .
The event recognises businesses from across 12 key sectors from seven regions , namely London , the Midlands and the East of England , the North of England , Northern Ireland , Scotland , the South of England and Wales .
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans , the founder of the UK Fast Growth Index , said : “ The businesses listed in this year ’ s UK Fast Growth Index represent the best of British entrepreneurship .
“ Their collective contributions are driving significant economic growth , creating jobs , and shaping the future of the UK economy .
“ We are proud to celebrate their success and look forward to revealing their place on the lists at the awards ceremony this November .”
Local – Chris is delighted to have proved doubters wrong by building a successful business in Hartlepool .
For more information , visit phoenix2retail . co . uk
114 | Tees Business