In November 2010, software developer Dr Andrew Burnett-Thompson made a life-changing decision.
Frustrated by basic Windows charts and graphs software. He decided to create a better, unique charting software.
Andrew had worked as a developer and a consultant for many years. He understood the capabilities and limits of his industry. But he was also aware of the incredible improvements in computer gaming graphics.
He decided to try something new.
Combining the tech behind the fastest moving, highest performing and most visually appealing games. With the analytical features, chart and graph software to display data and real-time charts.
SciChart was born.
SciChart could plot millions of data-points, in real-time, clearly and effectively on mobile and PCs. By constantly evolving and developing, SciChart is the market-leading graph and charting software.
Used by the Automotive, Defence, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas, Investment Banking, and Trading industries. Across 40 countries worldwide to interpret and display vital graphs and charts.
THE QUEEN'S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE ENTRY PROCESS
On a recommendation from a UK Trade & Investment representative, Andrew reached out. They believed SciChart would be worthy of winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
Andrew had no idea how the awards worked. He didn’t think the business was ready and he was already far too busy to even think about awards!
Nonetheless, we had a chat and explained all the ins and outs of the competition. Giving him a fair, honest, and detailed assessment of their chances of winning.
The conclusion? Yes!
From our experience and understanding of the Queen’s Awards, we knew SciChart would have a great chance. We only work with businesses we think will win. After all, our clients' success is our success.
Andrew wasn’t so sure. He struggled to believe his small business would ever have a chance at winning the world’s most prestigious award.
“Donna explained what we needed to show, and told me how she would put our story together in a way that an awards judge would fully understand and appreciate what we do. I still can’t say I truly believed we could win, but we had nothing to lose by going for it, and Donna promised not to waste my time applying for an award if it wasn’t likely to be a success.”
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are not easy to win. And SciChart isn’t a basic product. But we love a challenge!
We had to learn;
- how it worked,
- why it was innovative,
- who needed it and why
- where it was sold,
- how it was used
- and so much more.
Not only that, we needed to analyse SciChart’s commercial performance. Comparing financial results and real-life impact with the rest of the market.
It was our job to deliver a strong nomination and leave no stone unturned.
CHARTING SCICHART'S SUCCESS
We took the whole process out of Andrew's hands. He could continue to run his business while we worked away in the background.
To cover every aspect of the criteria, we had to learn all about SciChart. We talked to the team, gathered evidence, analysed growth, investigated their customer experience and evaluated the market.
With every award entry, we write – the business is the star of the show. We know how to show it off in the best light!
The result was mind-blowing for Andrew. It was announced (April 2019) that SciChart had won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise Award in the Innovation category!
The software business he had been building at 5am every day for months, before starting his day job, had been crowned one of the most successful businesses in the UK.
“I couldn’t be happier, or more shocked, to have won a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for Innovation. Donna’s guidance was invaluable, and without her support and expertise we would have never even entered, never mind won!”
We’re very proud to have been part of the process for SciChart and all of our Queen’s Awards winners.
COULD YOU WIN THE QUEEN'S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE?
Feeling inspired? Think you could be a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise winner? Then get in touch!
Like Andrew, we will consult with you and give you an honest assessment. If you’re not likely to win, we will make sure you understand why, and when to apply in the future.
UK Businesses of all sizes can win a Queen’s Award. All you need is at least 2 full-time employees and good growth.
You can check your eligibility here. And find out the benefits of winning.
The competition opens in May and deadlines in September each year. Nominations take WEEKS to prepare. So if you want to enter, contact us early for your free honest assessment.
