Local Businessman Reaches Finals of Prestigious Awards

Young, expanding online business Activ have reached the shortlist in the prestigious Leicestershire Business Awards 2010.
Activ, based in Leicestershire, are in the final three of the Awards’ New Business category which is sponsored by Leicester law firm Harvey Ingram LLP.
Founded by co-directors Dillon Boivin and Simon Rickett, Activ have gone from strength to strength in a remarkably short period of time and now employs 25 people at its head office.
Activ, which through its UK-wide network, offers website design, online marketing and search engine optimization to small and medium sized businesses across the Britain and overseas.
With recent expansion into Spain, France and Australia, the future looks exciting for Activ. The business has also recently expanded into larger premises taking a second office at Narborough Wood Business Park which has increased its total office space to 3,500 sq ft.
Dillon Boivin said response to Activ’s business model had been phenomenal.
He added: “Our strategy of offering affordable online solutions to small businesses has been very well received. By putting together simple, jargon free packages we have secured business with literally hundreds of SMEs operating in sectors as diverse as retailing, childcare, sport, construction, plumbing, hotels and leisure.”
At a time when jobs are hard to find Activ continue to recruit. Specialist jobs in marketing will be available shortly.
Dillon Boivin, who lived in Syston for most of his life and now lives in Rearsby, said he was delighted Activ had made the shortlist and was in with a good chance of securing an accolade in what have become Leicestershire’s premier business awards.
He added: “The Leicestershire Business Awards are very well respected among the East Midlands’ business community so it’s quite an achievement to be shortlisted, I am really pleased with our achievements and also want to congratulate our staff who work hard and deserve as much recognition as anyone in this achievement. As a local lad I am really proud of our achievements and would be honoured to win this award. These awards always attract many high quality entries and it’s gratifying to have been recognised at this level.”
Open to businesses founded within the past five years, the New Business award category is designed to encourage and reward young Leicestershire companies and organisations.
To be considered for an award, entrants must show that they have continued to progress their plans and developed a clear commercial understanding of their products, competitors and markets.
They must also demonstrate that they have set and achieved objectives within business plans while establishing a position of sustainable future profitability and success. The judges will also look at obstacles that have been overcome in managing the business including managerial and financial performance and potential future for growth.
Now in their 17th year, the Leicestershire Business Awards culminate in a gala dinner at which the winners in all eight categories will be announced.