Fashionable winner
Designer among city’s export award winners
THREE Gold Coast businesses were celebrated for their contribution to Queensland’s trade output at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards in Brisbane last night.
Wedding dress creator Grace Loves Lace won the eCommerce award, software pioneers Opmantek won the Regional Exporter Award, while earthmoving equipment manufacturer Digga Australia won the Innovation Award.
Export Council of Australia CEO Alina Bain said the Gold Coast had more award winners than any other regional city.
“The Gold Coast really is a hot spot for exporters as over the years we have seen such strong competition from this pocket of South East Queensland,” she said.
“We expect to see more Gold Coast businesses recognised through the program in the not too distant future, as we converse with many that are on the verge of exporting.
“The Gold Coast Innovation Hub, formed by multiaward winner Opmantek, launched in 2017 and is a real tribute to what regional locations can achieve. This just adds to the excitement of local businesses being recognised in this extremely competitive program.
“Diversifying the work opportunities really do allow people progressive work opportunities while living in a coastal location, which is what we need more of across Queensland and Australia.
“Coast businesses have the innovation, expertise and professionalism to take on international markets, and it is important that we recognise their hard work and determination to succeed.
“Whether they are small or large, these businesses have what it takes to succeed on an increasingly competitive world stage.”
The major award, the Premier of Queensland’s Exporter of the Year went to Brisbane outfit Tritium, maker of fast charging solutions for electric vehicles.