Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Gratitude at S3

As we conclude 2024, we at S3 are filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude, as well as anticipation for what lies ahead next year.  This year marked our 11th year in business and like many of those before, this year had its fair share of highs and plenty of challenges along the way.

• We have experienced significant growth, doubling our team size over the past two years to more than 45. It’s been amazing to welcome so many new colleagues to the company, each adding their own unique contribution to our expanding team.

• We partnered with over 350 clients across the calendar year 2024, achieving our highest-ever annual revenue.

• We helped secure over £40 million in grant funding for clients in 2024, ranging from major projects like the Regional Sports Campus in Cavan and the UUDome Project at Ulster University in Derry, to many smaller but equally impactful grants that support local community initiatives.

  
  

  

  Concept image of UUDome Project at Ulster University in Derry.

  
  

Securing funding on behalf of great organisations, who do great work is the foundation and cornerstone on which S3 was built, its where we started and it remains a fundamental part of who we are and what we do. It still fills us with an immense sense of pride and fulfilment when we receive those client phone calls to tell us they can now deliver their new project, purchase equipment, create jobs for local people or help people to improve their health and quality of life.

Among many impactful initiatives in 2024, a few stand out:

• Developing local sports plans for 6 local authorities in Ireland and collaborating with Sport Ireland to create national templates to guide other local authorities was a landmark achievement for S3. We hope to build on this work in 2025.

• Supporting Town Centre First initiatives, Outdoor recreation strategies, and business cases for the Football Investment Fund for clubs in Northern Ireland were major initiatives as well as some really unique projects like consultation on the management plan for the Sperring Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

Our Consultancy Director Eamonn at the launch of a national framework for the development of local sports plans in Local authorities throughout Ireland.

Each project is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise.

Celebrating New Horizons

2024 also saw the launch of two exciting new services at S3:

• ImpactReady – our new SaaS based Impact Measurement Software is a tool that helps organisations to capture their impact and share the value of their work. We have onboarded our first customers, both in the 3rd sector but also private companies who are delivering on their social value obligations – watch this space in 2025.

• AccountsReady: A bespoke, subscription-based accountancy service tailored to meet diverse organisational needs, modelled on the success of our FundReady service, this provides a personalised and supportive accountancy service, addressing a significant need in the sector.

  
  

Learning and Adapting as We Grow

With growth comes challenges and as we have expanded, we’ve learned that maintaining the ethos, culture, and personality that define S3 requires more conscious effort. Embedding our company culture came easy to us when we were a smaller team and when we were together more in the office. Bigger teams require different ways of maintaining culture and we haven’t always succeeded this year.

We made a commitment to our team at our recent annual planning day to double down on efforts to embedding our core values of integrity, quality, and delivery into every facet of our company,  and to ensure that our company’s personality and culture remains strong as we continue to evolve and grow.

Gaining New Perspectives

Participation in the Invest NI Leadership to Scale Program was a key highlight of the year. Engaging with inspiring business leaders and successful companies from diverse sectors, both locally and internationally, provided invaluable insights. These experiences have helped to drive our plans for further digital transformation, team growth, and enhanced service quality in 2025.

Recognising Our Talented Team

Our team is the heartbeat of S3, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments this year both professionally within the company, but also personally.

From completing PhDs, Masters degrees and training courses to publishing academic work, running marathons and serving their communities as volunteer committee members – we are extremely grateful to our team for their commitment, energy and expertise in helping us to deliver for clients. We remain committed to supporting and fostering career development and progression in 2025, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to thrive personally and professionally.

Our team at Jungle NI Team building day.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To the 350+ clients who trusted us in 2024: thank you. Your continued faith in S3 inspires us to strive to improve every year and we look forward to working with you again in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we prepare for the year ahead, we are excited to continue building on our successes, exploring new opportunities, and strengthening relationships with our clients and partners.

From all of us at S3, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2025 bring health, happiness, and success to you and your loved ones. See you in the New Year!

Warm regards,

Simon and Eamonn.