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.
At a time when jobs are hard to find Activ continue to recruit. Specialist jobs in marketing will be available shortly.
Dillon Boivin 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.
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.
Activ, which through its network of franchisees offers website design, online marketing and search engine optimization to small and medium sized businesses across the Britain and overseas, achieved turnover of £900,000 in its first year.
And with over 100 franchisees now operating in the UK, the business is now attracting licence holders in Spain, Ireland, France and Australia.
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 from both franchisees and small businesses looking for a cost effective and user-friendly website had been phenomenal.
He added: “Our strategy of recruiting franchisees form a business background rather than from an IT environment has been very well received.
“By putting together a simple jargon free web development package our franchise holders have secured business with literally hundreds of SMEs operating in sectors as diverse as retailing, childcare, sport, construction, plumbing, hotels and leisure.”
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.
The event – a highlight of the Leicestershire business calendar – takes place on Friday April 23 at Leicester Tigers.
This year’s judges in the New Business category are Mairi Watson, a senior lecturer at De Montfort University Business School and John Astill, a corporate sales adviser with Oval Insurance Broking.
Well done Dillon, you deserve it for all the hard work and effort you put in to helping your franchisees succeed.
Both you and Simon are really talented and passionate about what you do, I hope you win!
Good luck with the Leicestershire Business Awards Dillon, I hope you guys win it. Both you and Simon deserve some recognition and praise at long last for all the hard work and effort you have put in to Activ.
Fingers crossed!!
Dillon/Simon hope you do well at the business awards, You guys really should win it for all you have done for your clients and franchisees, a great business ran by a great team. Good luck to you and the ever-growing team!
Hey Dillon!
Just seen that you, Simon and Activ have reached the finals of the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010! That’s really good news, you both deserve it. So, Good luck with it all… Where do I vote? LOL!!
Well done again!
Dillon,
Congratulations on reaching the finals of the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. You and Simon should be very proud that all those late nights and headaches are starting to pay off for you and Activ. Well done and hope you win.
It’s a honour to work at Activ and be nominated for the Leicestershire Business Awards. Working closely with Simon & Dillon over the last few years it’s clear they deserve such an award. Good luck with the awards!
One of the things I especially like about being a Franchisee with Activ is the importance they give to our feedback. Activ and their Franchisees are definitely a team and the changes I have seen in my short time as a Franchisee have been extremely positive. Dillon and Simon have created a business worthy of the top award at the Leicestershire Business Awards and I hope they win it!
Well done Dillon on your shortlisting for the Leicestershire Business Awards. Although I’ve only been a licensee for a matter of weeks, I’ve been impressed at the level of support and technical know how that you give to your licensee’s.
Good luck with the awards, your enthusiasm and support will I am sure be recognised by the judges!
Congratulations on being shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards. You’re enthusiasm for what you do and often straight talking, are a great wake up call and motivation to all the franchisees. Knowing that you are developing the business, products and services to meet the future needs of small businesses, means my franchise can grow over time with Activ. Activ Web Design Kingston has just completed its first year and I look forward to working with you and the team for the next. Best of luck for the award.
Hi Dillon
Congratulations in being shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. Its great to be recognised for the amount of effort you and Simon put in to make our businesses work for us and our customers. My husband and I have been with Activ for 18 months now and have no intention of going anywhere else.
Good Luck at the awards.
Hi Dillon
Congratulations on being shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards!
We became aware of the Activ UK network through our interest in the Activ Web Design franchise and were so impressed with the business model that we took on Activ Worcester at the launch of the Activ UK network. Basically we decided that we trusted you to deliver. We still trust you because you continue to deliver, you continue to develop and you continue to surprise us! We feel really excited to be involved with such a dynamic and forward thinking company. Fingers crossed on winning such a prestigious award!
Hi Dillon, Congratulations on Activ reaching the finals of the Leicestershire Business Awards, I just heard. When I set out on my Activ experience my goal was to have a successful business that myself and family could not only make a success of but also enjoy doing. With your support, advice and assistance we have been able to achieve this. I can’t thank you enough. I wish you every success and cant wait to hear you have won the award, you deserve it.
Very Best Wishes.
Since joining Activ, as a franchisee, in May 2009 I haven’t once regretted my decision. Impressed with the way Dillon and Simon are pushing Activ forward, 2010 is going to be a good year. Good luck with the Business Awards.
It was a big decision to take on an Activ Franchise and the support I received with taking that decision was fantastic – no pressure, lots of patience and understanding. Since I took the plunge the support has not wavered and is invaluable to me in developing my business. This nomination is definitely well deserved.
Having worked for Activ for just over 3 months I have been impressed with how this company has grown and developed in such a short amount of time and it still continues to do so! I am proud to be a part of such a forward thinking team. Dillon, Simon and the team really deserve to win the Leicestershire Business Awards!
I was a bit apprehensive about my decision to take on an internet-based franchise, especially as it is not where my natural skills lie. I need not have worried as the support and continued encouragement I have received so far has been fantastic, and this recognition is very well deserved.
Good luck with the awards Dillon. I have not met anyone as hungry for success as you and Simon. You excel in your field and it’s a pleasure to work with you at Activ. There is so much I can learn from you.
I joined the Activ Network in Nov 2008,and i can only say that i am not surprised that Activ are in the finals of the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010,they have some great ideas on expanding the network to new heights in 2010,good luck to Dillon and Simon they certainly deserve this award.
Dillion
Congratulations in being shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. I’ve been an Activ franchisee for just over a year and you, Simon and the whole Activ team deserve this award, as you really are one of the best companies I have worked with. As an organisation Activ constantly develops and makes improvements to its network, they never just sit back. This is a sign of a great company with foresight to keep striving forwards. Exciting times for us all!
I’ve been here at Activ for a month now and can easily see why the company has had such great success so far! Dillon & Simon are great at keeping the team motivated and the atmousphere in the office is great! They are always looking to improve even though things are really good as they are. I have learnt so much from them already and look forward to learning more and more under their guidance! I really think they deserve to win the Leicestershire Business Award!
Congratulations on the nomination in the Leicestershire Business Awards. It is great to see a client expanding so rapidy and investing in growth in such difficult economic conditions. I am certain the business and the brand will continue to grow for many years to come
Congratulations Dillon on reaching the shortlist for the Leicestershire Business Awards, your professional approach and hardworking attitude is a great motivation for everyone, It would be fantastic for you and Simon to win this award for all the effort, dedication and enthusiasm that you have put into the Activ brand and I for one am very proud to be part of the Activ team.
Although I haven’t been here that long its such an exciting time for the company I couldn’t ask for a better place to work or for better bosses its a pleasure to work for Activ and wish Simon and Dillon all the best with the awards and for the future. Good Luck.
Hey Dillon, just heard that you got to the finals of the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. Congratulations! As a franchisee I have been continually impressed with your commitment to the business and the help and support I have received along the way. The hard work and determination for success with the Activ UK network is at last being recognised.
Many congratulations to you and Simon at been shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards. Having worked with you both I’ve seen first hand how much time and effort you put into the business, ensuring we head in the right direction and for this to be recognised is fantastic, so good luck, I’m sure this will be the first of many!!
Congratulations on your nomination for the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. When we first met about 18 months ago I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and self belief that both you and Simon showed. It was clear that you were destined for success. I am really delighted that we tagged along for the ride. Good Luck!!
Dillon, what can I say but Congratulations on reaching the final stages of the Leicestershire Busines awards 2010. I know you and Simon have, are and will continue to work the clock round to provide everyone on the Activ train first class in every carriage. All the best for the final mate and keep up the good work. Best regards.
Dillon. Congratulations on your nomination for the Leicestershire New Business Award, 2010. Having been involved in a previous franchise, you put them to shame with your endless support, knowledge and encouragement. You and Simon make a great team and fully deserve your recognition and any awards which come your way, either now or in the future. Good luck, I am confident it will be the first of many.
Hi Dillon, Congratulations on reaching the finals of the Leicestershire Business Awards. I have only been with Activ since Dec 2009 but I am so pleased to have to joined as a franchisee, it has allowed me to achieve my goals but all thanks the tremendous assistance and support I have received. Good Luck!
Hi Dillon
Congratulations on your nomination. Your commitment to the business and the help and support you offer must make you the front runner. I wish you the best of luck.
I just wanted to say a big well done on your nomination for the Leicestershire Business Awards. It is certainly well deserved and the help that you have given me as I have been building up the visitor numbers to my AUK site has been fantastic. A big thank you and good luck from me!
Hi Dillon
Congratulations in being nominated for the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. You and Simon work extremely hard to ensure that the Activ UK business is constantly evolving and moving forward. The support you and your team give is fantastic and you are always there to help. You are both so dedicated, determined and driven you deserve to win.
Good Luck at the Awards!
Hi Dillon
I heard you’ve been shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards.
You know how I feel about Activ but not many people know that when I came to Activ as a franchisee, part of current business relied heavily on a third party who had disappeared leaving me with a big problem. I needed help fast and you were the first guys I thought of. Although you did not have to, you and Simon really put your necks out for me, you saved my business. However, you also ensured I was well equipped to take my business forward.
That was nearly 2 years ago and my admiration for the way you and Simon both do business has only grown over that time.
Full of ideas, always have time for a chat if required. You’re both talented, decent and honourable, I wish you every success with the awards…. you both definitely deserve it.
Pete
Congratulations on your nomination for the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010. It’s been a great 18 months developing 2 businesses with you and Simon your enthusiasm, drive and invention are what keep the company going in the right direction.
Good luck with the awards it would be well deserved.
A big well done Dillon.You have created something very special with Activ .Together with Simon and the team you are helping many others achieve business success, and that is something which is quite rare these days.Your dedication to creating a prosperous and forward thinking business model deserves this award .Fingers crossed for you mate.
I was pleased to hear of Activ being shortlisted for the Leicestershire Business Awards and thought I would comment on how dynamic and supportive this company is.
Having been involved with Activ since 2008, I have seen this company grow and grow. The support we get from head office is second to none which should be applauded because the business model for this franchise is so complex to deliver. Unlike other franchises Activ have to take into account daily changes in online trends and technology to stop their licensees core product going out of date.
Having to constantly re evaluate the playing field and roll out new information and support to the Licensees, this is not the sort of business that can stand still and rely on methodoligies and business plans of the past.
All credit to Simon and Dillon who are doing a sterling job.
Dillon,
Congratulations on being shortlisted for the final of the New Business Award of the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010.
After agreeing with you and Simon to sign up for the Activ Web design franchise I did not take too long in making a decision when you asked whether I would be interested in an ActivUK Townsite also. After hearing and seeing your business plan and projections my gut instinct was that I do not want to pass up this excellent opportunity.
Twelve months after I first signed up and with the continuing success of my first one I have purchased another ActivUk Townsite and am really happy with how things are going.
The passion and enthusiasm that you both have for your business and for us the franchisee is evident for all to see and it is no wonder that this has been recognised with the forthcoming final.
I have learnt so much since I joined in Oct 2008 and this is down to you both and the superb team that you have assembled in Head Office to help us along this very exciting path.
All the very best of luck,
Mark