Returning in 2021 after a difficult year for businesses large and small, the Australian Small Business Champion Awards is back in full swing to recognise the innovation of small businesses across Australia.
Amongst the list of finalists announced in the Hunter for their unique and specialised approach in small business are Rutherford-based companies, Carter Heavy Haulage & Transport, and PERSAS.
Carter Heavy Haulage are new entrants to the 2021 awards, after the addition of Transport and Logistics category.
Company Secretary, Leonnie Carter, said that their team is proud to have been recognised as one of the first finalists in this new category, which celebrates excellence in the transport industry.
Despite last year’s challenges, Carter Heavy Haulage remained a reliable option for companies seeking quality-assured heavy haulage and transport services.
“We continued to provide essential transport services, and quickly adapted to the increased need for sanitisation and restrictions on access to roadside rest stops and food outlets, as well as border crossing requirements,” Leonnie said.
Carter Heavy Haulage were one of the first companies to have a COVID-19 Safe Plan in place and registered with SafeWork NSW.
“Having a COVID-19 Safe Plan in place from the outset allowed us to continue supporting our interstate and local clients without disruption to their business,” she said.
“As a family-owned business, it has always been important to us to protect the people who are at the centre of everything we do – our employees. During COVID-19, this became a heightened priority.
“Our team work incredibly hard to provide exceptional customer support and transport services, and we think they deserve every bit of recognition for their dedication to getting the job done. Especially when this meant spending precious days away from their families at a particularly stressful time in everyone’s lives.
“To be recognised on a national level for our work in Transport and Logistics is an honour,” Leonnie concluded.
A finalist for the second year in the Trade Services category, the team at PERSAS are thrilled to be acknowledged once again, and hope their innovative approach to testing and certification gives them a competitive edge.
Managing Director of PERSAS, Brett Williamson said that the past year has taught their team to be more connected with each other and clients, and to re-assess what people need most.
“As a small business who work around the clock to service some of Australia’s leading industries, we understand the pressures that come with the job. But it has now become clear just how vital it is to also check in with each other and not put mental health on the backburner,” Brett said.
“We have made a conscientious step to ensure our team members and clients are having regular check-ins. This personalised approach has proven to be an effective way to strengthen our relationships, especially during what has been such an isolating time.
“This has allowed us to learn more about our clients and team – as well as their needs and priorities. In response to these conversations, we have identified areas for improvement, and invested further into testing and certification facilities for equipment across civil, mining, and heavy engineering industries.
“We may be up against a lot of competitors in what we do, but they simply don’t have the tools or data to provide assurance. The risk to businesses is far too large when it comes to equipment failures on-site, so we do our bit to not only service but educate people, so these risks are avoided completely,” he concluded.
Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, Steve Loe said that since the awards inception in 1999, they have recognised hundreds of ‘underdogs’ in the Australian business sector.
“Since it’s inception, I have been immensely proud to watch and be part of the continued growth of the awards program as it has evolved into the nation’s most respected initiative to recognise small business achievements,” Steve said.
“Precedent Productions thrive to ensure the Australian Small Business Champion Awards continue to innovate and develop to provide an exceptional experience for all involved.”
The 2021 Champions winners will be announced at a sell-out event of around 1,000 guests at The Star Event Centre, on Saturday, 31 July 2021.
The evening will be the ultimate celebration for Australian Small Business – featuring leading Australian entertainment, fine dining and drinks all set in a spectacular “Oscars” atmosphere.
A full list of finalists will be available today on the Champions website.
IMAGE | Carter Heavy Haulage Company Secretary, Leonnie Carter and Driver/Diesel Mechanic Jake Perrett (left-right)
