Frome-based DNA Worldwide, which uses state-of-the-art technology to develop new DNA testing services, has been crowned the country’s best small business in one of the UK’s most prestigious business awards schemes.
The fast-growing firm scooped the Small Business of the Year title at the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2017, with judges praising it for its innovation and customer insight to deliver real value and impact.
It is the first national British Chambers of Commerce award won by Somerset business.
DNA Worldwide earned its place to compete against nine other finalists after winning the Small Business category at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Founded in 2004 and run by husband-and-wife team David Nicholson and Hannah Morden-Nicholson, DNA Worldwide now employs 50 people but has ambitious plans to expand to 150 within the next three years.
Its services include DNA Legal, which offers the highest quality DNA, drug and alcohol testing for family courts across the country, and Living DNA, which provides its customers with a highly detailed and accurate overview of their ancestry over thousands of years and broken down to 80 regions worldwide.
DNA Worldwide co-founder and managing director David Nicholson said: “It was a true honour to receive the prestigious national chamber of commerce Small Business of the Year award.
“It confirms the hard work that all the people in the DNA Worldwide family have put in this year and reflects the great feedback we have from clients across the world.
"To know that the purpose of the products and services we offer change the lives of people around the world is one aspect we deeply appreciate about our work. To have that recognised on a national level confirms the importance of purpose, true quality and absolute integrity in business.”
Somerset Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dale Edwards said it was a great triumph for DNA Worldwide and for Somerset.
“This is the first national British Chambers of Commerce award that a Somerset business has won, which has made me and all at Somerset Chamber exceptionally proud. In the two years I have known David and Hannah from DNA Worldwide I have seen the continued development of this cutting-edge company and can only predict further growth and accolades.”
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) president Francis Martin said DNA Worldwide was a fantastic example of British business at its best.
“The company is a leader in innovation and technology, and combines ambition with a strong social impact. It is great to see a company blazing the trail, and creating a global reputation. This award is a recognition of their passion and success, and is well deserved,” he said.
The Chamber Business Awards, now in their 14th year, are presented at one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.
The Small Business of the Year award was sponsored and presented by Bibby Financial Services.
Pictured: David Nicholson and Hannah Morden-Nicholson of DNA Worldwide collect their award from Ted Winterton, CEO of sponsor Bibby Financial Services
