E-learning provider GuyKat welcomed Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands to their offices at the Innovation Birmingham Campus to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade - one of the most prestigious awards granted by the Government to businesses in the UK.
The award was presented in recognition of the outstanding export-led growth of GuyKat, which doubled its revenue between 2019-20 with 70% of sales coming from outside the UK. Additionally, full-time permanent staff increased from 25 to 40, including the opening of an office in Tampa, Florida.
Founded in 2009, GuyKat is an e-learning platform provider specialising in UX, design and Docebo. yKat CEO Guy McEvoy said; “It is lovely for the whole team to have our work recognised in this way. Focussing on international opportunities, particularly in North America, has been key. Our growth has helped us bring more quality jobs to Birmingham and we hope to create even more in years to come. After today’s presentation, it’s been an honour for me to be invited to a reception at Windsor Castle with HRH Prince Charles. I wish I could bring everyone!”
GuyKat is a successful alumni of the E4F (Entrepreneur for Future) incubator - a business support programme, delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, providing inclusive help, support and early direction to those who have decided to make the jump into the start-up world.
David Hardman, managing director at Bruntwood SciTech - Birmingham, said: “It is fantastic to see a member of the Innovation Birmingham community receiving such a prestigious award.
"This really highlights the quality of the businesses at the campus and the strength of the UK start-up sector as a whole. We are proud of the role we play as this next generation of tech firms establish themselves, offering support and mentorship to help them reach their full potential. We are delighted for GuyKat and can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Innovation Birmingham is part of Bruntwood SciTech’s network of innovation districts providing workspace for start-ups, scale ups and larger digital and tech businesses from across the region, as well as access to a wide-range of support including the Founder Growth Series, Growth Hub Advice Series, and Business Basics.
All designed to help address the challenges new businesses might encounter - be that access to finance, PR and marketing support, or legal advice.
The Innovation Birmingham Campus is also home to the Serendip open innovation programme, connecting entrepreneurs and SMEs with public sector organisations and large corporates to facilitate access to funding and new markets.
