Australia’s most prestigious Regional Business Awards have named more than 80 companies and individuals as finalists.
The 10 categories in the Hunter Business Awards, sponsored by The University of Newcastle, will be presented at a gala function on Friday, 5 August 2016.
Hunter Business Chamber President Ross Taggart said today that it was exciting to see a record number of finalists as the Chamber celebrates its 130th anniversary.
“The finalists reflect the diversity of business in the Hunter and the determination to succeed in a struggling economic climate,” Ross said.
This year finalists for all categories will be announced except for the Chamber’s own President’s Award. Awards will be presented for Hunter Water savers, small business and large business excellence, customer service, local chamber excellence, the contribution to the region and President’s award as well as individual awards for young business executive and business leader of the year.
“More than 500 people are expected to witness the presentations, with tickets selling quickly.”
Locally-based national business systems and compliance organisation, BusinessBasics Australia, has been named as finalists in three different categories and Executive Chairman, Adam McDean, says they are thrilled with the nominations.
“We’ve worked hard over the last few years and have seen a rapid expansion of our business,” Adam said. “During this period we have made a conscious effort to ensure we maintain a high level of customer service, as well as reviewing our business systems to ensure they continue to meet our needs.”
Another proud finalist is Experience Wealth, founded by Managing Director, Adele Martin.
“The whole team at Experience Wealth are excited to be finalists in the awards,” Adele said. “The business started three years ago with just me and has now grown to a team of five.”
“As our business has grown and expanded so has our brand. We had a name change this year to Experience Wealth (previously Firefly Wealth) as this name really says what we do – we help clients under 45 years of age experience wealth in their lives.”
The 2016 Hunter Business Award Finalists are as below:
EXCELLENCE IN SMALL BUSINESS (-20)
Proudly sponsored by Newcastle Herald
Country Affair
Get Smart Promotional Products
Helloworld Newcastle Corporate
Transformational Group Pty Ltd
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS (20+)
Proudly sponsored by NSW Minerals Council
West Tankers – Onsite Refuelling Services
CUSTOMER SERVICE (-20)
Proudly sponsored by Greater Bank
Arrive First Class Hummers and Limousines
Clarence Town Licensed Post Office (LPO)
LJ Hooker Cessnock – Kurri Kurri
The Place: Charlestown Community Centre
CUSTOMER SERVICE (20+)
Proudly sponsored by Pacific National
Earp Bros – Innovative Tile Solutions
Trish Sellars Cleaning & Support Services
LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Proudly sponsored by Pitcher Partners Newcastle & Hunter
Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc.
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce
Scone Chamber of Commerce Inc.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE REGION
Proudly sponsored by Port Authority of New South Wales
YOUNG BUSINESS EXECUTIVE (AGE 18-35)
Proudly sponsored by Hunter TAFE
Aaron Goadsby
Adam Ray
Ashleigh John
Cristen Cable
Elissa Mead
Gavin Murray
Jaimie Abbott
Joel Pettigrew
BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Proudly sponsored by CPA Australia
Adam McDean
Ann Bartlett
Kirsten Molloy
Larry Urdarov
Laurinda Pericleous
Lesleigh Adie
Marcus McCarthy
Michael Slater
Trish Sellers
HUNTER WATER SAVERS
Proudly sponsored by Hunter Water Corporation
Finalists still to be announced
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Proudly presented by Hunter Business Chamber
The recipient of this award is chosen by the Hunter Business Chamber President.
Entries are not required.
