Outside the Box was founded in 2009 as a technical production company, providing sound, lighting and event technology to the theatre, entertainment and education sectors. What began as a specialist technical supplier quickly developed into a trusted partner for schools, universities and commercial organisations delivering productions and live events.

By 2012, the business had expanded beyond equipment hire into full event production and management. Working closely with clients across the South East and Central London, Outside the Box became known for delivering complete event solutions, building long-term partnerships with commercial businesses and public sector organisations alike.

2014 marked a significant period of growth. With a dedicated team of employees and freelance specialists, the business experienced rapid expansion, welcoming new clients every week while maintaining a strong base of repeat customers. During this time, Phoenix Theatre Co. was launched, producing immersive theatre experiences, including a sold-out street production in Windsor. The company also established its first permanent commercial premises, providing the foundation for future growth.

In 2016, Outside the Box secured its first long-term international touring contract, supplying technical production, engineers and production management for Pirates of the Carabina Circus across the UK and Europe. At the same time, the business diversified further by launching its Facilities Management division, beginning with the management of a Grade II listed arts centre before expanding into commercial properties across the UK.

The events industry faced unprecedented disruption in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic brought live events to a standstill. Overnight, the majority of the company's work was postponed or cancelled. Rather than stand still, Outside the Box adapted. Existing resources were repurposed to support the national response, helping establish testing and vaccination facilities, bringing forward essential maintenance programmes for managed buildings, and investing in 3D printing technology to manufacture protective equipment for frontline services and schools.

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The Next Chapter

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As the world reopened, Outside the Box emerged with a broader vision. What had started as a technical production company had evolved into a diverse business with expertise spanning events, facilities management and operational services. Rather than simply returning to where the company had been before the pandemic, the focus shifted towards building long-term, sustainable businesses that could support one another.

During this period, the company invested heavily in expanding its event operations. Mobile bars, festival infrastructure, weddings, corporate hospitality and large-scale public events became a core part of the business, delivering complete event solutions across the UK. From intimate private celebrations to major commercial events, the team developed a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences backed by reliable operational expertise.

As demand continued to grow, Founder Alfie Horn recognised that the next stage of the company's journey required strong leadership and a shared vision. Having played a key role in the growth of the business over several years, Kimberley Morris became a shareholder, acquiring 50% of the company. Her operational expertise, leadership and commitment to the business helped accelerate its growth and laid the foundations for its future.

Together, Alfie and Kimberley began reshaping the business into something much bigger than a single company.

This transformation led to the creation of OTB Group — a multi-brand holding group designed to bring together specialist businesses under one shared vision. Rather than operating as one company serving many markets, OTB Group enables each brand to focus on what it does best while benefiting from the experience, resources and infrastructure of the wider group.

The first new venture under this structure was A&K Sculpt, a specialist health and wellbeing business founded to help clients look and feel their best through advanced body sculpting and aesthetic treatments. The launch of A&K Sculpt marked OTB Group's expansion into the health and wellbeing sector and demonstrated the group's ambition to diversify into complementary industries.

Alongside this growth, Outside the Box continued to evolve as OTB Services, providing technical production, facilities management, event infrastructure, security, consultancy and operational support for businesses, venues and organisations across the UK.

Today, OTB Group continues to invest in new businesses, partnerships and opportunities. While each brand has its own identity, they all share the same principles established in 2009: delivering exceptional service, building trusted relationships and creating businesses that stand the test of time.

With exciting new ventures already in development, this is only the beginning of the OTB Group story.