Animation studio wins premier’s business award

STUART Forrest’s business – described as a global leader in animation – walked away with the top award in last night’s Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards ceremony at the Cape Sun Hotel.

Forrest, owner of the Bergvliet-based Triggerfish Animation Studios, went up against 300 other businesses.

Premier Helen Zille congratulated Triggerfish Animation Studios, saying the studio was a global leader in its field.

“Criteria for the overall winners included the ability of the business to create jobs and grow its turnover.”

This year, over 300 businesses entered the awards, which was launched three years ago.

Apart from the top award, businesses were also celebrated in 13 other categories.

The winners shared R1.8 million in prize money, with the overall winner also receiving an overseas trip.

MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde wished the winners well and commended all the entrants for their contribution to economic growth.

“Small businesses employ about 500 000 people in our province.

“The winners are showcasing our entrepreneurial excellence. They are innovative and in many cases, industry leaders.”

The categories and other winners were: Best Established Business – NCC Environmental Services; Best Innovative Business – AgriProtein; Best Job-creating Business – Mpower Waste; Business With Global Reach – Triggerfish Animation Studios; Best Social Enterprise – Township Patterns; Best Green Business – Postwink Recycling Solutions; Best Innovative Student Idea – Cuppa Campus; Best Emerging Regional – Hermanes Clothing Manufacturing; Best Emerging Tourism – Cape Canopy Tour; Best Emerging Agro-processing – Espinaca Innovations (Green Health Innovations); Best School Business Idea – Smart Alarm.