Written by Karen | 12/06/13 23:00
Fluidata, the premium data communications company, has won the Judges’ award at the 2013 Information Technologists Company (ITC) Enterprise Awards, billed as the ‘Oscars of the UK technology industry’.
The judges award is given to the entrant that, in the judges’ view, has demonstrated the ability to succeed, continue revenue growth, attract investment, innovate, and show clear leadership. Fluidata was chosen from 33 award finalists.
Fluidata was founded by Piers Daniell in 2004, with the vision of creating a company that set a new standard in the industry for delivering great customer service. It has grown to a £10.5m company in nine years. Growth has been on average 45% year on year; the company has been listed on the Deloitte Fast 50 and has been in the Sunday Times Tech Track for the last two years. It was listed by London Loves Business as one of the top 20 fastest-growing companies in 2011; and was awarded the Internet Providers Association Best Business Broadband Provider for two years on the trot. It has also achieved Investors in People Gold standard, and has ISO accreditations for environment and quality.
Judges of the ITC Enterprise Awards included Eddie Anderson of Pentech Ventures; Anil Hassebe; Ed Lascelles of Albion Ventures; George O’Connor of Panmure Gordon; Paddy MccGwire of Cobalt Corporate Finance and Guy Rigby of Smith & Williamson – selected Fluidata for the special Judges Award category.
The ITC is the 100
th Livery Company, and received its Royal Charter three years ago. Notable members include Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Internet pioneer Vint Cerf, and inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
Piers Daniell, CEO of Fluidata, said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised by those in the IT industry who’ve built their own businesses so successfully. When I started Fluidata I wanted to build a company with a difference, and one that would set a new standard for our industry. In this business, you have to innovate, and you can do that by giving customers products and services that they really need. All our focus is on our customers. Even the way we structure our teams internally is about delivery to customers. This award recognises the work that the whole team at Fluidata does every day.”
John O'Connell, Chairman of the awards panel, says: “Piers has demonstrated all of the qualities which an entrepreneur needs to have for success, sustained over a period of time too and with minimal external funding. He took a bold step by deciding not to go to University and he was fortunate that his parents were willing to mortgage themselves to fund his early days - which of course he has more than repaid since. The Judges created this special award recognising the special attributes Piers has, which should be inspirational to others.”