When something or someone is described as unique, a lot of pressure rests on that person or business to live up to its billing and not be ordinary or even mundane. One quick look at the portfolio and services offered by consultants LK2, and you quickly realise that it’s an entirely appropriate description of the…
When something or someone is described as unique, a lot of pressure rests on that person or business to live up to its billing and not be ordinary or even mundane. One quick look at the portfolio and services offered by consultants LK2, and you quickly realise that it’s an entirely appropriate description of the company created and developed by its Managing Director Dale Lui.
From humble beginnings, the Nettleham-based company now boasts a unique blend of services in architecture, building development, and the sport and leisure industry, with offices in Lincolnshire and London.
The business was developed by Dale, 53, from his bedroom 22 years ago, with turnover in the first year a modest £10,000. Fast forward two decades and annual turnover stands at nearer £2 million, having increased dramatically through the company’s diversification in recent years.
The growth is all the more remarkable and impressive considering that architecture wasn’t an immediate passion for Dale, but something he grew to love.
While studying at the Hull School of Architecture, Dale met fellow LK2 Director Andrew Kitchen, who has been at the company since its inception. The two were reunited at Benoy Ltd in Newark but even at this point, architecture still took a back seat.
“Music is my passion and it always has been,” Dale says with a smile. “When I was at Benoy, I used to be in a group and we used to go out gigging about three times a week. The guys used to pick me up from the office at 4.30pm and we used to go down to Sinfin in Derby, Northampton, all across the Midlands. I would get back about 3am and be back in the office by 9am, so it was a bit of a challenge!”
After being made redundant at Benoy and giving up the bright lights of Sinfin and Northampton, Dale created his own company – Dale Lui Architectural Designs – brought his old colleague Andrew on board as a partner, and the two have not looked back since.
Dale Lui, Managing Director of LK2. Photo: Steve Smailes
A key breakthrough
While the core of LK2 remains its architectural specialism, the burgeoning sport and leisure side of the company is what seems to get Dale most enthusiastic and passionate.
A key breakthrough in the development of this side of the business came by delivering the Lincolnshire FA building next door to LK2’s offices on the Deepdale Lane enterprise park in 2010.
Dale set up a sports development company following this project and in the years that have followed, he has forged strong relationships with the FA and Sport England.
Following the success of the Lincolnshire FA scheme, LK2 has 15 similar buildings on the go all across the country now.
Another project Dale speaks with great pride about is the £6 million sports complex in Stamford completed early last year. The sports centre included a new stadium for Stamford AFC, plus various sports science and teaching facilities, a sports hall and 3G pitch. It was the largest FA funded project aside from the national football centre at St George’s Park near Burton.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
When something or someone is described as unique, a lot of pressure rests on that person or business to live up to its billing and not be ordinary or even mundane. One quick look at the portfolio and services offered by consultants LK2, and you quickly realise that it’s an entirely appropriate description of the…
When something or someone is described as unique, a lot of pressure rests on that person or business to live up to its billing and not be ordinary or even mundane. One quick look at the portfolio and services offered by consultants LK2, and you quickly realise that it’s an entirely appropriate description of the company created and developed by its Managing Director Dale Lui.
From humble beginnings, the Nettleham-based company now boasts a unique blend of services in architecture, building development, and the sport and leisure industry, with offices in Lincolnshire and London.
The business was developed by Dale, 53, from his bedroom 22 years ago, with turnover in the first year a modest £10,000. Fast forward two decades and annual turnover stands at nearer £2 million, having increased dramatically through the company’s diversification in recent years.
The growth is all the more remarkable and impressive considering that architecture wasn’t an immediate passion for Dale, but something he grew to love.
While studying at the Hull School of Architecture, Dale met fellow LK2 Director Andrew Kitchen, who has been at the company since its inception. The two were reunited at Benoy Ltd in Newark but even at this point, architecture still took a back seat.
“Music is my passion and it always has been,” Dale says with a smile. “When I was at Benoy, I used to be in a group and we used to go out gigging about three times a week. The guys used to pick me up from the office at 4.30pm and we used to go down to Sinfin in Derby, Northampton, all across the Midlands. I would get back about 3am and be back in the office by 9am, so it was a bit of a challenge!”
After being made redundant at Benoy and giving up the bright lights of Sinfin and Northampton, Dale created his own company – Dale Lui Architectural Designs – brought his old colleague Andrew on board as a partner, and the two have not looked back since.
Dale Lui, Managing Director of LK2. Photo: Steve Smailes
A key breakthrough
While the core of LK2 remains its architectural specialism, the burgeoning sport and leisure side of the company is what seems to get Dale most enthusiastic and passionate.
A key breakthrough in the development of this side of the business came by delivering the Lincolnshire FA building next door to LK2’s offices on the Deepdale Lane enterprise park in 2010.
Dale set up a sports development company following this project and in the years that have followed, he has forged strong relationships with the FA and Sport England.
Following the success of the Lincolnshire FA scheme, LK2 has 15 similar buildings on the go all across the country now.
Another project Dale speaks with great pride about is the £6 million sports complex in Stamford completed early last year. The sports centre included a new stadium for Stamford AFC, plus various sports science and teaching facilities, a sports hall and 3G pitch. It was the largest FA funded project aside from the national football centre at St George’s Park near Burton.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.
A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.
Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.