Quiet growth, real impact: behind the scenes with Abby Connor

What does growth really look like behind the scenes? For our sister company, HOP Works, it’s less about big, headline moments. It’s more about the steady, consistent progress that builds over time.

HOP Works was born out of HOP in 2020, after identifying a clear niche in the market for workplace adaptation projects, day two works, and smaller-scale fit-outs that required a more agile, specialist approach. Set up by Abby Connor, the business was created to work alongside HOP and complement their wider design & build offering.

Over the past six years, Abby has taken HOP Works from strength to strength, working with a range of businesses to make their space work for them. Whether it’s a new tenant moving into a pre-fitted space or an occupier adapting their current environment, these projects come with their own unique challenges. Matching into an existing fit-out, coordinating in-situ working, and delivering fast-paced solutions all require a specialist approach.

That’s exactly where HOP Works thrives. Abby Connor tells us more about the journey so far, from their first project to delivering 39 projects this past 12 months…

 

 

A year of meaningful progress

 

This time last year, HOP Works was a team of four with a big idea about delivering projects differently.

Fast forward 12 months, and the team has grown organically to six, with turnover increasing from £2m to £5m. Alongside that growth, the scale and value of projects has evolved too.

From meeting room adaptations to create a more efficient mix of meeting spaces for Skyscanner, to working across a portfolio of six buildings with real estate investment manager Feldberg Capital, clients have trusted HOP Works to work on some exciting projects.

But while project values have increased, the focus of the business hasn’t changed.

 

“We’ve grown in terms of the size and complexity of the projects we deliver,” Abby explains, “but we know our market. We’re not looking to move into large-scale fit-outs – that’s what HOP does brilliantly. Our focus is on adaptations, day two works and small to medium-sized fit-outs, where clients really value a flexible, hands-on approach.”

 

With a smaller, tight-knit team, HOP Works has built a reputation for being agile, personable and responsive. It allows decisions to happen quickly, communication to stay direct, and solutions to be delivered at pace without compromising on attention to detail or quality.

 

From two people to a growing team

 

The team has grown alongside the business to deliver these projects, but with a focus on keeping a close-knit team. Michael Neame, who joined HOP Works 3.5 years ago, was promoted to Construction Director last year. They also welcomed Adrian McMorrow as Pre-Construction Manager, Ben Terry as Project Manager, Olivia Scrine as Senior Designer, and Georgia Patience as Project Coordinator, helping to keep everything running seamlessly.

 

“Nearly six years on from our first year in business, when we were a team of two delivering just 16 projects, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past 12 months alone, we’ve completed 39 projects, with a strong pipeline ahead spanning both valued repeat clients and new relationships.”

 

Reflecting on that growth, Abby can see it’s been driven by the dedication of the team and the quality of the clients they’ve had the opportunity to work with.

 

 

Growing with intention

 

When asked what actually feels different day-to-day, Abby doesn’t mention numbers.

 

“What’s been most rewarding isn’t the figures, it’s seeing the team evolve. More confidence, more ownership, more collaboration. It’s the kind of progress that’s hard to measure, but easy to feel.”

 

As the business has grown, one thing has remained non-negotiable. How they work.

 

“We’ve been intentional about growing organically rather than quickly. It’s allowed us to protect our standards, our culture and the way we deliver projects.”

 

So what’s next?

 

Continued, steady growth, without losing what’s made it work so far.

HOP Works isn’t trying to become the biggest design & build contractor in the market. The focus remains clear – delivering thoughtful, detail-driven projects within the sector they know best.

The foundations are strong, the team is growing, and demand for workplace adaptation projects continues to evolve. For HOP Works, that creates an exciting opportunity to keep doing what they do best – helping businesses adapt their spaces quickly, seamlessly and with confidence.

Want to find out more about them? Visit their website here.