Non-Standard Award

The Non-Standard Award is an initiative ran by Performance Direct. Performance Direct like anything unusual and pride themselves on offering unbeatable insurance for unusual policies.

Following on from this Performance Direct run the Non-Standard Awards which offer financial backing to off-the wall projects.

I first heard about them whilst onboard ship in Africa. I was reading in Practical Classics about Matt Wright's adventure across America. He challenged himself to have more fun in America buying and driving an old American classic than going to Centre Parcs. The ensuing trip was hectic, troublesome but importantly - enjoyable. This trip was funded by the Non Standard Awards.

 As the idea of taking the Skoda to Czech had already been hatched it seemed a good idea to apply. Would it be interesting enough and would anyone else care about our little adventure? Well, we decided to apply and find out.

 Application was through the website which was a challenge in itself as I don't have internet access onboard. Sophie forwarded the application form to me via satellite email and many further exchanges were made as we complied our application. The day before the closing date my ship was in Felixstowe allowing us to submit the application form via a dongle. 

 A few weeks later we received an email asking us for more information. We were asked what we were intending to do, who we were and why we were doing it. This was a good process for us as well as it meant we had to sit down and consider what it was we really wanted to do. This we did and thought nothing more of it. In honesty we didn't think anyone would be interested in our odd little road trip but surprisingly we got through to the final round. 

 The final round decided winners through an interviewing process in Romford. The interview gave further opportunity to explain our idea to relevant people from Performance Direct. 

It was the first time I had ever done an interview like that and I must admit to being nervous about it. Sophie and I had prepared a small presentation outlining the route and budget and showing some pictures representing us. Sophie couldn't attend so I was left with the responsibility of presenting our idea alone! 

Thankfully the interview panel were welcoming and the interview seemed to go well. More to the point I managed to combine the journey with a visit to a Skoda Spares shop on the way to interview!

 Fearing our idea would be too insignificant and unadventurous Sophie and I didn't expect any further news. Thankfully we received an email telling us that Performance Direct were willing to support our journey! 

 Their support extended to financial help and providing us with filming equipment so that we could document our journey. Throughout the process the company have been more than willing to help with any questions and really been supportive. Despite a cliché, it’s definitely true that the planning of the trip has been made much easier with the support of Performance Direct. 

They have also been instrumental in communicating with Skoda CZ to book us on a Skoda Factory tour and suggesting visiting the Nurburgring. 

 Without the support of Performance Direct our journey would have been much harder to achieve. We would have managed but it wouldn't have been anywhere near as enjoyable. 

 It must be said that I'll be pleased to display the Performance Direct logo on the Skoda throughout the trip and hope that the initiative continues and helps support other off-the wall motoring ideas!