Almost 600 business people from around the Hunter gathered at NEX in Newcastle at the biggest ever Hunter Business Awards ceremony.
The awards were presented at a gala dinner sponsored by the University of Newcastle and attended by a record crowd of more than 560 business people from across the region.
Compass Housing Group Managing Director, Greg Budworth was presented with the Hunter Business Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year Award by sponsor CPA Australia.
Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes said that Greg was a superb example of the calibre of business leaders that the Hunter is known for.
“The Hunter is home to many individuals and organisations that reflect the diversity of businesses here and their determination to succeed,” Bob said.
“They continue to demonstrate the high standard of capability, resilience and innovation that the Hunter has become renowned for.”
In presenting the President’s Award to The University of Newcastle, Chamber President Jonathan Vandervoort commented on the organisation’s exceptional history of varied accomplishments that contribute most favourably to our community.
“Over 50 years, the University of Newcastle and their leading educators have achieved a long list of accolades, and their world-class researchers are recognised for their contribution to many fields,” Jonathan said.
Winton Consulting was named by Newcastle Herald as the winner of the award for Excellence in Small Business (-20 employees) and Compass Housing was awarded the Excellence in Business (20+ employees) accolade by NSW Minerals Council.
Scion Audio and Events was named by Greater Bank as winner of the Customer Service (-20 employees) award and Nurses Now won the Pitcher Partners sponsored award for Customer Service (20+ employees).
The Local Chamber of Commerce Award was presented to Bulahdelah Chamber of commerce & Tourism while Beyond Bank Australia won the Port Authority of NewSouth Wales sponsored award for Contribution to the Region.
Nelson Bay Bowling and Recreation Club won the Hunter Water sponsored HunterWater Savers Award and Ben Dewson of Holistic Industries was named the KristenKeegan Young Business Executive (Age 18-35) by Quarry Mining & Construction Equipment.
Bob said the judges had commented on the outstanding achievement of finalists in all categories.
“The winners clearly demonstrate the superb work of organisations and individuals who are leading the way in making the Hunter a place where business and innovation thrive,” Bob said.
IMAGE |This year’s winners of the Business Leader of the Year Award, Kristen Keegan Young Business Executive Award and the President’s Award at the Hunter Business Awards. Photo by AJM Photography.
