Sujeewa Alwis heads up Insighlytics, a highly innovative young business that develops advanced software solutions to help organisations extract business insights from social media.

In 2010 Sujeewa Alwis successfully applied for a place within the Phoenix Centre, a business incubator originally established by SCY, based at York St John University.

As a start-up, Insighlytics was an ideal candidate for both the centre and the network of support provided by SCY.

Having achieved rapid success during the first six months of occupancy, Insighlytics expanded into new incubation space offered by ‘Springboard’ in the Ron Cooke Hub, itself part-financed by European funding secured by SCY, on the University of York’s Heslington East campus.

Building on the strong relationship already established with Insighlytics, SCY invited the company to showcase their services at Venturefest Yorkshire 2011, a leading regional business expo. Their involvement in the event elicited several offers of investment for Insighlytics.

A few months later, SCY also presented an opportunity to exhibit at the first ever TEDx York conference, enabling Sujeewa to promote his business to hundreds more potential customers.

Insighlytics has subsequently engaged with the SCY Business Mentor programme as the business enters its next phase of growth.

“Working so closely with SCY from the outset has proved so valuable to my business in many ways.  Through the Phoenix Centre I received hands-on advice and business support as well as a collaborative environment for me to start and grow my business from.

The SCY Business Mentor Service has since provided a structured programme of intensive support, offering a dedicated advisor to call on regularly as I explored my market and potential investment opportunities. 

“I have subsequently engaged SCY as a client on a project to map the impact of creative & digital industries in York and explore the reach of the city's creative & digital sectors on a global scale.

“I would certainly recommend SCY for advice on starting and growing your business; for introducing new contacts and brokering relationships; and for raising the profile of your business through their events and marketing opportunities.