Brighton car mat designer grabs top prize in national contest

Hippo Mat, from Brighton, creates car mats based on specific towns or cities, and was one just ten winners scooping a £5,000 sum.

1,500 small businesses applied for the grant, while judges, including former Countdown presenter and businesswoman Carol Vorderman, were dealt the tough call of deciding on the winners of the Take Flight competition.

Carol said: “Every entry was brilliant in its own way, but our ten winners impressed us with their unique business models, ambitious growth plans, and sense of purpose.

“I wish them all the best for 2022 and beyond; I hope the bursary helps them to reach new heights this year.

Marcos Millet, founder of Hippo Mat

“What struck me most when judging this competition is how much creativity, tenacity and drive exists within Starling Bank’s business customers.”

Marcos Millet founded Hippo Mat just last year, and invites customers to design a layout on the company’s website.

Hippo Mat is at

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There are also pre-made designs, including Brighton, which features landmarks such as the i360, the Royal Pavilion, and Madeira Drive.

Marcos said: “A Hippo Mat is not only a much cooler version of a nostalgic toy, it’s a genuine educational tool as it promotes road safety with accurate UK road signs.”