Earlier this year, Systematics sponsored the Newsquest Countywide Business Awards – a prestigious regional event which has been running annually for several years.
The team stepped in to sponsor the New Company category, which recognises the region’s best start-up and new businesses with between one and 10 employees who have been operating for three years or less.
This category ranks nominees in terms of their backstories, growth rate, long-term business plans and most innovative company strategies, with a particular focus on successful businesses that are able to exhibit tangible evidence of their progress and success since their inception.
This year, the coveted award went to both HayPigs! – a unique manufacturer of quirky, circus-themed pet toys and accessories for guinea pigs – and financial services group Primera Wealth Management. Meanwhile, Highview Roofing and Externals Ltd received a Highly Commended Recognition award.
HayPigs!’ innovative business idea, which was initially the brainchild of husband and wife team Rik and Helen back in 2014, came about when the couple realised that guinea pigs had no dedicated section in most UK pet shops and were often ‘bundled together’ with other animals such as rabbits, rats and hamsters.
On top of this, the duo realised that many guinea pig owners were regularly purchasing products that simply were not suitable for their beloved pets – sparking a series of problems for many confused owners later down the line.
In April 2017, Rik and Helen launched their businesses to coincide with World Circus day, and have enjoyed fantastic success ever since.
Commenting on their big award win, Helen and Rik said: “We honestly did not expect to win this award at all, especially with such a fantastic line-up in the final.
“The judges’ feedback was so kind and we feel very humbled to have won. We’d like to dedicate this award to our piggy Xena, who sadly passed over the rainbow bridge last week. This is for all those people who dream big and take a chance!”
The team at Primera Wealth Management were equally delighted with their win, too.
The independent financial advisory practice, which was founded by Neil Donnelly and Mark Copsey in 2017, is growing fast and already brings together more than 125 years of financial services experience to assist its clients, despite only having being in operation for little over a year. The firm was over-the-moon with its big win.
Christine Bhatt, Systematics’ CEO, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure sponsoring and judging this award category and I think Primera Wealth Management, Highview Roofing and HayPigs! were definitely the stand-out companies this year.”
Manuel added: “I would like to congratulate Primera, HayPigs! and all of the night’s other lucky winners and finalists on their successes. Christine and I had a great time at the awards’ ceremony and we hope to return again as a sponsor in 2019.”
Systematics had a very busy night indeed – as we were also named as finalists in two categories ourselves. Our team was shortlisted in the Excellent Customer Focus and Business 2 Business categories, which were won by mortgage and protection broker CLS Money and weather protection group Able Canopies, respectively.
Below are some photos from the big night!
