SOG Ltd, part of the SOG Group, is one of the UK’s leading independent operators of business and technical parks. SOG Ltd’s unique business model offers customers a wide range of support services including:
John Lewis is a founder member of SOG Ltd which was formed in 1999. Originally SOG’s Head of Marketing, John became Managing Director in 2010 and is now the major shareholder of a business that has evolved into SOG Group.
He has also launched a number of other successful businesses under the RJ Lewis brand which provide maintenance and facilities management services; space planning, engineering services and creative design for specialist projects; and creating, designing and developing bespoke new-build projects.
John’s business achievements have been recognised with several awards including the accolade of Liverpool’s ‘Knowledge Leader of the Year’, an award recognising Merseyside’s key business leaders and academics who have made a major contribution to the region.
He was awarded an MBE in 2019 in recognition of his services to business and is currently a deputy Lieutenant for Knowsley Borough.
Lesley, who joined SOG Ltd from ICI in 2000, is the first point of contact for all new businesses looking to occupy office or laboratory space at The Heath, including new build opportunities.
Key account management and customer retention is of equal importance in Lesley’s role whilst she is also responsible for managing SOG’s marketing and communications activities.
Sustainability is at the heart of the SOG business model which revolves around saving and investing in existing infrastructure and facilities to sustain and create employment sites, while retaining and developing skills.
New-build projects and existing building refurbishments at The Heath Business and Technical Park reduce carbon footprint for the site due to technological advances and use of ultra-modern materials. The ultimate aim is for the location to be eventually transformed into a Net Zero Carbon environment.
The upgrade of building management systems and the installation of water meters, energy efficient boilers and movement sensor light switches all help to manage energy use, while a key part of The Heath’s strategy aims to recycle 96.5% of materials from the demolition of older, less efficient buildings and infrastructure in new projects. A large number of green initiatives include the recycling of office waste, paper, scrap metal, oil, food, garden, glass, electrical items, hazardous waste and toner cartridges.
A key part of SOG’s ethos is that its facilities should also benefit residents in the local community as well as the businesses it provides accommodation to. SOG has created a dedicated events team to stage community functions and to support local groups and organisations.
Under the leadership of Catering Manager Anthony Stonebanks, The Heath offers its events space and restaurant facilities for a range of community services from private parties and wedding receptions to entertainment evenings for all of the family and a free child-friendly space open to the public during the daytime to bring tots and young children.