LACE Partners 10th anniversary

Our 10-year, fundamentally different journey

Celebrating our growth

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Aaron BW Circular Transparent
LACE Dragonfish - Cathy Acratopulo

2024 marked a milestone that fills us with immense pride and gratitude. Ten years ago, we set out with a vision to create something fundamentally different at the service of people, and thanks to the dedication, innovation, and trust of our incredible team and clients, we’ve come further than we ever imagined. This journey has been one of learning, growing, and continuous transformation, and none of it would have been possible without the amazing people we’ve had the privilege to work with. Here’s to the next decade of success, collaboration and pushing boundaries together!

Aaron Alburey and Cathy Acratopulo, Founders of LACE Partners

2014

LACE IS BORN

We built our company with a clear vision: to deliver real value while fostering a fun and innovative work environment. We believe that work should be flexible, engaging, and enriching—for both our employees and our clients. By breaking away from traditional hierarchies, we provide a dynamic space where every voice counts, from new hires to senior leaders. We pride ourselves on being fundamentally different, always focusing on how people behave, act, and engage at work.

Cathy and Aaron establish the LACE core values: Passion, Innovation and Care

LACE impressions on the foundation of the company

2015

OUR FIRST YEAR

The first year at LACE was a dynamic journey of establishing core values, building a brand, and delivering client success. Launched with a vision to create a fresh approach to consulting, the team quickly took on its first client, right at the outset. This early win brought excitement and purpose as the team juggled client demands while defining LACE’s identity and unique market positioning.

The team shaped foundational values that remain central to LACE today. The team’s vision has continued to guide their culture and growth, setting the stage for the next chapters in the company’s journey.

Worked with businesses in the financial sector

Created a business case for improving legacy on HR systems – one of our first projects

2016

THE FIRST JOINERS

2016 was a milestone year for us as we welcomed our first two associates to help drive multiple client projects. By year end, we were thrilled to have contracted with ten clients and hosted our very first networking event—an exciting start to what has become a regular highlight for our community! It’s a reminder of the foundation we built for future success.

We contract with our 10th client

We bring in our first Associates. Get more info about life as an Associate at LACE here >>>

We produce our first video on our values

We host our first networking event!

LACE Partners 10th anniversary 2024

2017

OUR FIRST LARGE-SCALE EVENT

2017 was marked by the launch of our first large-scale event, People_Tech, further cementing our commitment to being a truly independent, tech-agnostic HR consultancy. We also laid the groundwork for what our business stands for today by forming our very first CSR team—marking the start of our journey in giving back and making a broader impact.

LACE hits 10 employees

We run it’s first ever large-scale event, People_Tech

CSR Team established

Founder and brand values videos launched – find out why we’re fundamentally different here >>>

Winners at the National Happiness Awards

2018

OUR FIRST OFFICE

In 2018, we hit another big milestone by opening our first official office at the Leathermarket, complete with our own corporate branding and colours. It was also a year of growth for the team, as we brought on more talent and introduced key business functions like Operations, Finance, and Research. We continued to expand our industry-agnostic approach, working across a diverse range of sectors, from fashion and financial services to hospitality, transport, advertising and more.

Our second People_Tech event

Our first CSR event

25 clients contracted with

Winners at the National Happiness Awards – check out all of our awards here >>>

Winners at the UK Business Awards

Winners at the Lotus awards

LACE Partners 10th anniversary 2024
LACE first CPO event 2019

2019

BECOMING THOUGHT LEADERS

In 2019, we solidified our role as thought leaders in the HR space by launching our first whitepaper and hosting more industry and CPO-focused events. Our commitment to CSR stayed strong with ongoing initiatives, keeping it central to our company culture.

40 clients contracted with by the end of the year

LACE reaches 20 employees

Over £4,000 raised for CSR activities – find out more about our approach to CSR here >>>

Hosted our first ever CPO event

Hosted our first recruitment event

2020

A CHALLENGING YEAR

The global pandemic ensured that 2020 was a challenging year to remember for everyone, and for LACE, it was no different. Despite facing challenges, our commitment to being fundamentally different, adaptable to our clients’ needs and supportive of our team led us to finish the year with new clients and a renewed sense of optimism for the future post-pandemic.

We launch our first webinar

People_Tech goes digital

We obtain our first overseas contracting appointment

We hit 50 clients since formation

We launch our HR on the Offensive podcast – check it out here >>>

Over 15,000 people visiting our website

First LACE baby! Find out about our team here >>>

LACE podcast HR on the Offensive

2021

AN EXPANDED TEAM

A fresh year marked the opening of a new office for LACE Partners, allowing us to expand beyond our previous location at Leathermarket. This move welcomed more LACErs, new clients, and a range of exciting events!

LACE hits 30 employees

FSQS registered approval

Over 500 downloads of our whitepapers

Over 50 press coverage pieces across all online industry media – see what coverage we are asked to comment on here >>>

Over 1,000 people attending LACE to face-to-face and online events

Great place to work women LACE Partners 2022

2022

OUR FIRST GREAT PLACE TO WORK AWARD

Our dedication to creating a fantastic workplace shone through in the year, marked by the arrival of more amazing team members, an award celebrating our culture, and our very first company offsite. We were growing so fast that our beloved second office just couldn’t contain us anymore!

Winners of Great Place to Work Awards for small businesses

Winners of Best Workplaces for Women awards

Over 1,500 downloads of our whitepapers since we launched HR on the Offensive

Over 25,000 listens of the podcast since launch

Over 20,000 views of our LinkedIn content in the year – follow us on LinkedIn here >>>

2023

A NEW OFFICE

2023 marked a significant turning point for us as we transitioned into a medium-sized business, thanks to the investment from Mobeus Equity Partners. This partnership set the stage for our ambitious growth plans and ushered in a new phase of evolution. With this growth came an exciting increase in our team, as well as plenty of celebrations for new babies and weddings!

We launch our methodology approach – the LACE Way – find out more about that here >>>

We launch our Creative Services offering to clients

Engage Awards finalists

Nominated for ‘Best workplace for consulting’ in Great Place to Work awards

Podcast listed as ‘Top 10 Technology advice podcasts’

Over 30,000 people visiting our website in the year

Hit 40,000 views of our YouTube channel since we started recording in 2020

First national news coverage in the Telegraph

LACE Partners Great place to work 2023

2024

FROM two TO 100 IN 10 YEARS!

In 2024, LACE Partners is poised to reach new heights as we continue to support our clients with HR transformation and payroll solutions. We’re on track to surpass 100 employees by year-end, evolving from our boutique roots into one of the largest HR consultancies in the UK. Exciting times lie ahead!

LACE hits 100 employees

Nine whitepapers and over 1,000 downloads

Over 5,000 followers on LinkedIn

60,000 listeners to HR on the Offensive podcast since launch

23 events run in the year with over 1,500 attendees to face-to-face and online events – find out about the latest events, as well as our ‘on demand’ historical events here >>>

LACEFest 2024
LACE Partners 10th anniversary

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