The Ark-H Group amongst the Top 100 independent companies in Bedfordshire

In June financial advisors Grant Thornton released their Bedfordshire Limited 2014 report, which included the Ark-H Group as a Top 100 independent company. This is a detailed analysis compiled using latest company accounts to provide an assessment of the county’s overall business performance and changing marketplace.

Started in 1990 by its current Directors, The Ark-H Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year. The business has grown from small beginnings (2,000 square feet and three people) to the point where it now occupies over 150,000 square feet of space and employs over 200 people – 100 plus at the Bedfordshire site and a further 100 at the subsidiary company in Norfolk.

The Ark-H Group services the fulfilment and logistics needs of over 85 clients, ranging from prestigious multi-nationals such as Roche, Starbucks and P&G, through government and 3rd sector organisations, to its rapidly expanding group of successful ecommerce entrepreneurs.

The business prides itself on very high standards of quality and a completely client-centric approach to service delivery.  These standards are borne out by the company’s impressive accreditations, including ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO27001 and ISO22301.  Most importantly, the staff resource within the county has enabled the business to achieve continuing growth and success through the skills and commitment of its people.

Fiona Strong, Managing Director of the Ark-H Group says that the business finds the Bedfordshire environment ideal.  “We have benefitted from a considerable amount of local support, from Bedford Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the British Standards Institution in nearby Milton Keynes and many, many other local organisations.  Furthermore, although we cannot claim prescience in our choice of location (although sometimes we try!), since 1990 Bedford has developed into the logistics hub for the UK – perfect for a company such as ours which needs easy access nationwide.”

With another new building of 40,000 square feet scheduled to come on stream in 2015, the Ark-H Group aims to keep expanding in Bedfordshire for many years to come.