Llanelli-based tech pioneers, Vindico, have been shortlisted for the UK’s best environmentally sustainable small business at this year’s Small Awards.
In its fifth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK.
Founded in 2014, Vindico is a team of blue-sky thinkers and problem solvers – led by MD Jo Polson, backed by Technical Director Ryan Griffiths, driven by Head of R&D Professor Paul Lewis, and facilitated by the Company’s tech incubator.
Their approach helps businesses to change the way businesses operate – for the better. And their commitment to the environment in Wales has driven their latest self-funded project – Think Air.
On track to being the largest live air quality sensor network in Wales, Think Air is helping to gather the data and insights needed to raise awareness and understanding of air quality and Pm2.5 levels across the country. It’s also supported by Welsh organisations including Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Devils, Niche, and Zip World.
“It’s the only project in the UK to take on the challenge of understanding background and wide range air quality on this scale, and it’s changing the way we understand and measure the impact of toxic air at a local level,” Says Vindico MD, Jo Polson.
Think Air’s success means that Vindico has been chosen as one of five finalists for the new ‘Net Hero’ Small Award, launched in the run-up to this November’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), to recognise small firms demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability.
With eleven unique categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism of the UK’s small business sector, across everything from longstanding family businesses and innovation-led start-ups, to social enterprise champions.
“After what has been a difficult year for the whole small business community, it has been inspirational to hear about phenomenal small businesses across the UK,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.
“The Small Awards exist to celebrate and champion the amazing contribution of fantastic small firms like Vindico. We received a record number of applications this year, with an incredibly high standard of entry, so all of the small businesses shortlisted should be rightly proud of this achievement.”
Jo Polson, MD at Vindico added:
“We are delighted the Small Awards have shortlisted us for the Net Hero award to celebrate our innovation and effort in promoting Air Quality awareness and education through our Think Air Sensor Network,”
“It’s now the largest accurate background monitor network in Wales, and this is a fitting recognition for all our hard work.”
Judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, the winners of all award categories, along with the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced on 13 May 2021.
This year, in light of current covid-19 restrictions, Small Business Britain will again be hosting its award ceremony as a lively virtual event, instead of the traditional glittering gala dinner. Small businesses across the country will zoom in together for an evening of fun celebrations, featuring entertainment, special guests, speeches, networking and more!
