Enterprise Nation

Congratulations to Karen Hollands of Toniks who is today crowned our 2008 Home Business of the Year. The Judges were unanimous in choosing Karen and her language tuition business. This is what they had to say.

"Toniks is boundary-less and shows an excellent use of the internet.  Appealling concept for all sorts of different people from my dad to myself.  Impressively re-negotiated their key contracts to increase profit margin which shows an eye for the business detail and need to bring home a profit.

I think that if they can keep ahead of the competition there is a massive worldwide market for their services and they have an excellent (easy to use) website with a tantalising free offering and fab conversion rates (75% of people who see the demo go on to book).  I think that for these reasons Toniks has the most potential and is my first choice!”

Wendy Shand
Founder, Tots to Travel Group, and 2007 Home Business of the Year 

“The global potential of this enterprise is almost boundless, while the relatively untapped market for online tuition is one that I believe will continue to grow.”

Mark Barber, Enterprise Editor, The Times
 
“I found this hard - all are excellent finalists. But my personal favourite is Toniks Languages.
 
This is clearly a business with even greater potential than its current strong progress has already demonstrated.  I think the way it has harnessed new technology like Skype is great and they have taken a very innovative approach in making global links with other countries through technology.  A great example of a home- based business playing on a global stage.”

Tracy Vegro, Director of Enterprise Strategy at the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform

“Not only is this a great idea and a great business, I also like the way that Toniks is offering a healthy work/life balance for their tutors. It’s a model that shows excellent promise.” 

Rachel Clacher, co-founder, Moneypenny

Well done, Karen. May you and the business continue to prosper! – Emma Jones