Kent Science Park (KSP) tenant AbBaltis made quite an impression at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2014, which were held on March 26th at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. Giedre Brandao, who started the medical diagnostics company in 2010, took home the award for Entrepreneur of the Year, and the team were also shortlisted for the Achievement in International Business category.
This is the 9th year the awards have been running, with a record number of entries made. There were six categories in total and AbBaltis entered two, both for which they were shortlisted. There were over 130 people in attendance on the night, most of whom were finalists and had completed a two-stage application process.
Giedre Brandao commented on their achievements at the awards, “This is the first time we have entered these awards and it is outstanding to win, especially as we are such a young business start-up that has grown organically. It was an incredibly humbling process and well worth the application. In the last few years, we have accomplished so much as a business, and I have also achieved a great deal personally. Inspiring people is what inspires me, and I hope that our success does just that. I am proof that you can have a young family and a successful business at the same time!”
Giedre also explained why she felt the company did so well, “The feedback we received was incredibly positive and much of that was focused on the way I liaise with my employees to create an environment where they want to come to work. The judges liked the ethos of AbBaltis, in that personal fulfillment is just as important as making money. I like to think that what they saw in reality matched our application – a thriving young business focused on empowering its employees and contributing to the local community.”
2014 is set to be another exciting year for Giedre and her team, with plans to grow the business through expansion into new areas. This means looking at what the medical diagnostics market needs and bringing that technology in-house to aid profitability and improve the diagnosis of patients in the long-term. AbBaltis are currently taking applications for a Customer Service Apprentice who can grow with the business and potentially take on a marketing role in the future. As a result of Giedre’s win at the Kent awards, AbBaltis have also been entered into the nationwide chamber awards, which will be held in London in September.
James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park, added, “AbBaltis are at the forefront of medical diagnostics and wholly deserve to be recognised. Last October they were named Small Business of the Year at the Swale Business Awards and now they have won a Kent business award, so the natural next step would be recognition nationally. AbBaltis combine strong business sense with a passion for scientific innovation, all the while developing excellent employee and community relations. Congratulations to both Giedre and her team on the award!”