Singleton manufacturer Morgan Engineering has taken out the top honour of Business of the Year at the 2026 Business Hunter Awards, leading a four-award sweep for the enterprise. Held at NEX Newcastle before an audience of 600 business leaders, the 140th anniversary gala recorded over 300 category entries across the Hunter region.
Morgan Engineering also secured awards for Excellence in Large Business, Workplace Health and Wellbeing, and the Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader Award, awarded to Workshop Operations Manager Brody Nowlan. The firm was recognised for expanding its regional workforce from 80 to over 130 employees while investing in trade apprenticeship frameworks and internal career progression.
Other major award recipients included University of Newcastle Professor Alan Broadfoot, who received the President’s Award for his research leadership across Ampcontrol, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, and regional clean technology partnerships. Burton Automotive received the Contribution to the Region Award, marking four decades of community sponsorship including Surfest. Industrial safety technology firm SAPHI claimed the Excellence in Innovation Award and was formally inducted into the Business Hunter Hall of Fame.
Individual category honours included Jandy McCandless, General Manager of Housing and Impact at Hume Community Housing, who was named Business Leader of the Year. Elliot Watson, Managing Partner of Watson Wealth, received the small business leadership category award, while Business Singleton was named Outstanding Local Chamber.
Chief Executive Officer of Business Hunter, Bob Hawes stated that record awards participation reflects regional commercial capability.
“To see a home-grown manufacturing business take out four awards, including Business of the Year, is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the quality of businesses operating in our region,” Bob said.
“This year’s awards attracted more than 300 entries, the largest number in our 140-year history, and the calibre of finalists and winners demonstrates the innovation, ambition and resilience that continue to drive the Hunter forward.”
President of Business Hunter, Glenn Thornton added that cross-sector collaboration remains central to regional economic growth.
“Alan has played a pivotal role in shaping the Hunter’s future through his leadership, vision and commitment to collaboration between industry and research,” Glenn said.
“He is a trusted adviser, mentor and advocate for our region, and a highly deserving recipient of this year’s President’s Award. The diversity of winners, finalists and entrants shows the incredible breadth of talent and enterprise that exists across the Hunter.”
Category winners in aligned state fields will represent the Hunter at the Business NSW Awards in Sydney on 30 October 2026.
IMAGE | Morgan Engineering named Business of the Year at 2026 Business Hunter Awards
