The Queen honours Southampton data experts Tonic Analytics

Southampton company Tonic Analytics has been honoured with an esteemed Queen’s Award for Enterprise, awards which celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses that are leading the way with pioneering products or services.

Tonic Analytics has been recognised for its excellence in international trade, a remarkable feat as the company is yet to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Established in 2015 and now employing ten people at its base at the University of Southampton Science Park, Tonic Analytics was co-founded by University of Southampton Aeronautics graduates Andy Heather, now CEO, and Rob Horabin, the company's Head of Data Science, together with Plymouth graduate Andy Dollin who is Chief Operating Officer.

In a relatively short time, the company has invented an ingenious way to blend a wide range of data with predictive analysis to solve some of society’s big challenges. These range from saving lives on road networks and tackling crime to reducing airline delays and optimising offshore energy production. The company analyses over six billion new data points every day.

Andy Heather said: “We are all absolutely thrilled that our work has been recognised at the highest level. I’m extremely proud of each and every team member for the commitment that they’ve shown to making our company and technology such a success and our projects so meaningful.

“I also thank our visionary partners and clients across both public and private sectors for their outstanding approach to partnership working, confident that we’re collectively making real differences to peoples’ lives with every new project.

He continued: “Although this award shines a light on our international projects, we are extremely active in tackling some of the huge societal challenges that exist here in the UK. Our work in collaboration with the Police and Highways England on helping to improve safety and reduce crime on UK road networks for example, is quite groundbreaking – something that’s never been attempted in such a comprehensive and innovative way before.”
Projects the company is currently working on include monitoring compliance with the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown and exploring how best to manage the effects of easing restrictions when the time comes.

Now in their 54th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards to recognise and celebrate business excellence in the UK. They are awarded in the fields of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Her Majesty The Queen personally approves the winners which are announced by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy annually.