FROM murder mysteries to team-building, one firm has done it all.

Events company Proactive, which started as a murder mystery venture, has tripled its turnover after diversifying into using actors and role-play to provide businesses with coaching and team-building services.

The firm, which is based in Wetherby, made the move after receiving advice from Shirin Borrett, of the Harrogate and Craven Business Development Centre, which delivers a range of services on behalf of Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

It now works with a long list of clients, including Arriva, Asda, Halifax, Yorkshire Electricity and Procter and Gamble.

Proactive owner Andy Craven said: "Shirin encouraged me to write a business plan to formalise my thoughts, giving me a clear direction of where the business was heading.

"I also strongly believe that all businesses need a range of skills round the table and as we only have a small office-based team Shirin was able to help me achieve a more rounded view.

"We use experienced actors in our coaching and team building to help break down barriers and build trust.

"Participants end up playing games like they used to when they were children, allowing them to experience something together outside the work domain."

Updated: 11:43 Monday, April 19, 2004