User Vision Limited Crowned Scotland’s Small Business of the Year
30th October 2004
Edinburgh based User Vision Limited has won the Scottish regional final in the prestigious Parcelforce Worldwide Small Business Awards.
The competition, which is in its 12th year and is the largest of its kind in the country, attracted over 160 entries in Scotland. Nationally around 3,000 companies entered from across ten UK regions. The award recognises excellence in UK small businesses and their contribution to the UK economy.
User Vision Limited offer consultancy services in the field of usability & accessibility for web sites, software and products. The company was established in March 2000 with one employee. Today User Vision have five staff and has seen an increase in turnover of nearly 100% year-on-year for their most recent financial year 2003–4.
Derek Smith, Scottish General Manager, Parcelforce Worldwide who sat on the six strong panel to decide the final winner, said: “This year all of the entries in Scotland were of an extremely high standard. All the regional finalists were “winners” who showed tremendous examples of well-run companies. However, we had to pick an overall winner and User Vision Limited really stood out due to the businesses hard work and ability to provide a uniqueness and distinctiveness in the marketplace. They have won some prestigious contracts and are competing with the big boys. Well done to this small and superb business.”
Chris Rourke, Managing Director & Founder of User Vision said: “We are thrilled to receive this accolade which reflects the hard work which the entire team have put in. We would like to thank out clients for their continued support and look forward to further success with projects in the UK and further afield as we expand our range of services to improve the user experience.”
The regional accolade comes with a prize of £6,000 and the chance to win the top prize of £30,000 in the national finals, which will be announced at BAFTA on November 30. There are also special awards for outstanding customer service, exporting, the company with the biggest potential, and for the best young entrepreneur.
Small Business Minister, Nigel Griffiths MP, said: “The Parcelforce awards are a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the fantastic achievements of small businesses in creating wealth, prosperity and boosting economic growth.”
“The experience of previous winners shows that success in these awards can provide a platform for further growth that enables companies to go from strength to strength.”
Vanessa Leeson, Managing Director of Parcelforce Worldwide, added: “At Parcelforce we are proud to provide practical support for small businesses, and believe these awards are an excellent way to recognise and encourage those companies for the contribution they make to the economy. As well as the financial benefits, the awards offer a great opportunity for these businesses to enhance their prestige and raise their profile. Many of the past regional winners have noted a significant increase in business in the 12 months following the awards.”
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