From humble beginnings started in CEO Alex's school playground, Net World Sports is now a champion of designing and manufacturing the best quality sporting products, housing more than 5,000 sporting ranges, 95% of which are own brand. In 2018, this journey of success included winning The Lloyds Bank Small to Medium Sized Business Award.

As the 2019 awards ceremony draws closer, we spoke with Net World Sports to catch up after the win.

Q. What initially made you want to enter the National Business Awards?

A. For the past number of years, we have entered the Lloyd’s Bank National Business Awards. We love that the Award encompass similar values that we do. As a proud British business, we are committed to ‘being the best’ in everything we do, we in no way sit on our laurels, we are determined and ambitious to always reach for more. Our humble beginnings with our CEO selling cricket bats in the playground to becoming now a multi-million-pound international company, renowned also for being the ‘world’s number one football goal supplier’, speaks volumes for this.

Q. What specifically drew you to your category?

A. Not only is the category of ‘small to medium sized business of the year’ a very prestigious title to hold, it is one that really encompasses what we believe in as a company. We are a business that is consistently growing, which can be seen be all exemplary financial performance over the past number of years. Net World Sports is a force to be reckoned with, made up of employees who are heard and encouraged to be bold, put forward new ideas and aspire to be the very best they can.

Our strong presence on ensuring our customers are key, making sure we surpass their expectations and make their experience with us as brilliant as it can be is a focus for Net World.  Alongside this we place high presence on continuous innovation whether that comes from expanding our product range to meet our customers’ needs or improving logistics to ensure our customers can get their products as soon as possible. Our drive for more is always at the heart of the business.

Q. What was the feeling like in the lead up to the Awards?

A. Quite simply – it was pure excitement! It was great to be able to attend such an amazing event and share the success the Net World way, together as a team! The atmosphere was special – there was an aura of grandness about the place with a slight mix of tension and the buzz of such a great night.

Q. How did it feel to win?

A. It felt great, very memorable. Having been unsuccessful previously the pressure was on to deliver second time round. The Award speaks for everything the business has achieved so far and will continue to achieve. It shows that anything is possible with hard work, determination and a bit of luck along the way!

Q. What was the impact of winning on your business?

A. This award really was the icing on the cake to what was a great 2018 for us. The success was not only shared by the employees who attended on the night, but is something as a business we continue to take immense pride in. We were over the moon to be able to not only share this sensational achievement internally; we shared across our many marketing channels so we could celebrate this significant accomplishment together with our loyal customers.

Q. How has business been since the win? Any news you’d like to share?

A. Innovation and internationalisation are two strategies we are aiming for. We are looking to expand the number of countries we are selling to, continuing to provide the same unrivalled customer service and world-class products. This has proved to be a good challenge to take on and in the past year we have expanded into 15 new countries including Sweden and Italy.

A key focus for Net World as a business is to continue to innovate and advance in our products, and ensuring our products needs and requirements are always the forefront of our mind.  2019 saw us proud to introduce to the industry our revolutionary FORZA Alu110 360˚ Football Goal Wheels. This new ground-breaking advancement in the football world has been designed and tested in conjunction with Manchester United’s ground team. We have listened to feedback from groundsmen and coaches from top-tier clubs, who have been crying out for such a dynamic product.  The FORZA Alu110 360˚ Football Goal Wheels facilitates hassle-free movement in all directions, offering unmatched goal manoeuvrability. Developed using revolutionary, patented technology exclusive to Net World Sports and the FORZA brand.

Q. Do you have any words of advice for this year’s finalists?

A. Three simple words ‘Go for it’! We were over the moon when we found out we had won. We were apprehensive, as we were competing against such strong competition, but it’s clear to see the judges were able to recognise how we are a growing business who are prioritising innovation and future growth from within.

Entering this prestigious award is a decision you will not regret.

The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards ceremony takes place 12th November at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. Join this year’s finalists, sponsors, judges and Britain’s business leaders for an unparalleled networking experience at a glamorous black-tie gala, where you’ll hear from astronaut Major Tim Peake in an unforgettable keynote speech.