Tell us about your business?
AthoGroup is a specialist in the development and implementation of operational compliance systems that are tailored to your specific circumstances and business objectives. We pride ourselves in taking the time and effort to understand you, your business and your workforce ensuring we deliver outcomes that improve business performance, mitigate risks and enhance your organisation’s culture.
We are an Australian owned and operated family business servicing clients in Queensland and nationally therefore we understand the diversity in business operational drivers as well as the relevant legislation, regulations and codes interact with your business.
Services offered by AthoGroup include:
- Fire and Safety Audits
- Fire and Emergency Management systems and training Annual compliance requirements
- Life Safety compliance
- Industries serviced include construction, logistics, manufacturing multi-residential and community care (aged care, childcare and school care)
AthoGroup exists to keep businesses compliant and safe.
Our journey:
I commenced the business in 2017 as a single person operation working out of the house. It took a number of years to break out of the micro business phase due to the concentration of the sector. However, when COVID 19 hit Australia in March 2020 businesses became acutely aware of operational compliance, which flowed into increased inquiry and engagement of the services offered by myself under the AthoGroup banner. Early in 2021 I secured alliance networks with reputable fire installer and service businesses and the journey began. This resulted in me engaging an external contractor to undertake some of the drafting and administrative functions.
In May 2022, my husband, Lloyd Russell, became involved in the business on an ad hoc basis. By August 2022 it was clear we had outgrown the Founder phase and were a business that could be scaled and systemised.
A business premises was leased and occupied in January 2023 and a professional business administration manager was employed to focus on building the operational and governance systems while Lloyd and I focused on business growth. By December 2023 the business had grown to 4 FTE and there were signs that AthoGroup’s reputation was starting to get traction within the sector.
By March 2024 AthoGroup had secured some significant long-term contracts and enquiry was only increasing. It was at this stage Stuart and Imagin (Gen 2) were bought into the business as employees and allocated to specific streams of the family business.
AthoGroup has now grown to 6 FTE and is focused on fully utilising the current resources to consolidate business operations while increasing productivity through systemising all processes.
It is important to note the family Accountant, Lee Turner from FP Accountants, has assisted in guiding the business and AthoGroup has also engaged the services of a qualified bookkeeper / BAS Agent.
What has been your greatest success?
Without a doubt, AthoGroup’s greatest success has been the B2B referral network built up over the past ten years. This network has been mutually beneficial for all parties and is based on a deep respect for each other as people and business professionals.
The AthoGroup team consider ‘success’ to be satisfied clients who become fire and emergency compliant.
Other achievements include
- FBA Queensland Award – Founder Business 2024/25
- Online and face to face presentations to industry professionals as a Committee member of Fire Protection Association Australia (Qld Division)
What do you value about FBA?
We joined FBA to connect with family businesses in Queensland and across Australia so we could grow as values based business people. Since joining FBA I have been on the Queensland state committee and Lloyd was previously an Accredited Advisor. FBA offers a unique suite of services from training programs, networking opportunities and conferences, all of which AthoGroup has actively engaged with over the years.
The most valuable aspect of FBA, from AthoGroup’s perspective, is its unwavering commitment to family values and principles. Whenever business becomes “lonely and /or overwhelming” it is refreshing to be able to talk to other family businesses as your peer and get refocused.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Always stay true to your personal values and principles because these are the bedrock of the family and the business. They provide the anchor to your business’s purpose and are the glue that unites your workforce and supply chain.
Join FBA, become active within the organisation and join a Forum Group if you are able. These things will refresh, reenergise and refocus you and your business.
Support family business.
