Business Updates

Congratulations to our Managing Director, Faye, on 30 years at Running Imp!

In the early days of Running Imp, Faye started as an Office Junior, working hard alongside our CEO Chris Illsley BEM and Josh Illsley our Operations Director to make the company what you see today! 

Starting as an Office Junior in 1991, Faye progressed through the ranks, reaching Administration Manager, General Manager and Director by 2008. Following the wild success of the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Faye was made Managing Director, the position she holds today.

She's helped pull the business through a takeover, a buyout, a global pandemic, and two (soon to be three!) Jubilees! Without a doubt, the company wouldn't be the same without you, Faye. From everyone at Running Imp, thank you for being the inspiration you are.

Running Imp is preparing to embark on a new and exciting chapter in its history, following the retirement of joint CEO Caroline Birkin with the appointment of Jane and Josh Illsley onto the Board of Directors. From its humble beginnings in 1988, CEO dynamic duo Chris Illsley BEM and Caroline Birkin have been at the helm of Running Imp. 

They have seen in some significant milestones for the company. These include Running Imp providing memorabilia for two Jubilees, taking on the role of Official Medal Supplier to the London Marathon, and of course, supplying events worldwide. Now, after over 31 successful years in the business, Caroline has stepped down. This move, recently finalised, comes as Caroline prepares to enjoy retired life. Running Imp would like to wish Caroline all the best for a happy and healthy retirement and thank her for her commitment and hard work over the years. How Will This Affect The Company? Chris and Jane Illsley now own the company. Alongside this shift in ownership, further changes will take place slowly over the coming months. 

The first and most significant change has seen Josh Illsley join the Board of Directors as Operations Director. In regards to Josh's appointment, Chris stated: "I am delighted to welcome Josh on to the board of directors. He has shown a tenacity like no other and also shows great passion and ambition for the future of the company". This position will see Josh take on more responsibility within the company, using his experience and knowledge to help direct the company towards greater heights. We want to say congratulations to Josh and Jane on this new appointment and look forward to what they will bring the company. If you'd like to find out more about the history of Running Imp and Bespoke Medals, you can do so here.