Plant-i, Machynlleth – winner of the Small Business Award 2014 for less than 25 employees sponsored by RWE Innogy UK.

Machynlleth telematics company wins Powys Business Award

A fast growing Machynlleth telematics company was on track to win the Small Business Award for less than 25 employees sponsored by RWE Innogy UK.

Plant-i is an inspiring success story of entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth from humble beginnings. Managing director Sam Browne began the business from a kitchen table at his home in 2004.

A decade later, Plant-i is delivering market leading vehicle and boat tracking, fleet telematics, fuel management and asset security solutions to one of the UK’s largest insurance providers and a growing list of other major companies across the UK.

Plant-i has increased turnover from £30,000 in 2004 to £1.5 million this year and is forecast to reach £2.8 million within three years.

Growing demand for vehicle telematic solutions continues to create other diverse business opportunities, which the company is embracing due to Mr Browne’s vision, innovation and detailed knowledge of the market.

Since last December, the company has tripled the size of its offices on Dyfi Eco Park and taken on six new staff, growing the workforce to 16. Four more staff, including two engineers, will be recruited by the end of 2015.

Sam Browne said: “Six years ago I would have been here by myself and tonight the company is winning the award for the best small business of under 25 employees. This award is a pat on the back for me and a big thank you to all my staff.

“It’s going to help massively because it means that we are recognised in Powys as a real company that is making a difference.”

Shane Perkins, a Powys Business Awards judge, said: “Sam Browne impressed the judges with how he had grown the business since its inception 10 years ago, without external investment or funding. Significant increases in turnover have largely been secured through word of mouth and, with the adoption of a marketing strategy for the future, the judges see this local company’s success going from strength to strength.”