Warragul business takes out top award
West Gippsland businesses won seven of the 12 awards on offer at the Gippsland Business Awards recently.
Warragul business Warragul Dental Care was named Gippsland Business of the Year.
About 400 people attended the annual Federation Business School gala awards night, held on Friday, August 31.
Awards chairman Graeme Sennett said the quality of entries this year was outstanding, creating a “good problem” for judges and demonstrating the quality and depth of business in the region.
“The quality of entries, the finalists and the eventual winners show that our regional business sector is not only healthy but innovative and successful,” Mr Sennett said.
Warragul Dental Care took out the new “Health and Wellbeing” category before winning the Business of the Year Award.
Once again excellence manufacturing in Gippsland was recognised with Warragul’s Eli Innovation and Elite Pack from Drouin being named joint winners of the Manufacturing/Export category.
“We had an extremely strong field this year, with our entries up on previous years so each of the category winners really earned their spot,” Mr Sennett said.
“Our gala on Friday was a great celebration of the capacity and ability of Gippsland businesses.”
Each finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across 10 judging criteria, and as appropriate, receiving site visits or judges undertaking mystery shopper visits.
Judges comments on each of the category winners were:
Health and Wellbeing and Business of the Year Award Warragul Dental Care, Warragul
“Demonstrates leadership by being at the forefront of technology including 3D scanning and printing and also coaching others in the industry. A significant innovation has been the introduction of Dogter Bruce (DOG) to help anxious clients which has created a great deal of interest. The business is accessible to everyone with free dental screenings and sessions for kids as well as accepting free community health service patients.”
Business and Professional Services - Satin Edge Photography, Warragul
“A solid application highlighting the benefits of managing the various aspects of a business to reduce expenditure and meet the needs of the market. Rebranding and refocusing have paid dividends for this business. Technology, including the introduction of drone photography, has seen the business diversify.”
Manufacturing/Export - Eli Innovation, Warragul and Elite Pack, Drouin.
Eli Innovation – “A regionally based business meeting the needs of farmers in an environment with great fluctuations in liquidity. The product is well positioned price wise and future expansion plans provide further opportunity for growth. Strategic partnerships have increased the companies reach and underpin ongoing growth and development. “
Elite Pack – “An innovative small manufacturing business with a clear record of sustained growth, excellent customer service and a just in time delivery process. Supplying both national and international clients, meeting the changing needs of a challenging market has delivered results, with flexibility and internal efficiency recognised as key drivers for business success.”
Mechanical Trades and Construction - Cutting Edge Electrical, Warragul
“This business taps into opportunities wherever possible. Big on research and development and expansion, the business is exporting products to China, has clear succession planning in place, a strong focus on staff culture, wellbeing and training and community support.”
New Business – GippsTech, Warragul
“GippsTech has shown that a world-class digital development agency can be built out of a small country town. This excellent business has delivered proven results, providing significant direct and indirect support to the local community. With a clear vision and empathy for the regional community the business is making an impact by improving capacity, generating income and providing real support.”
Tourism Activities and Attractions - Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Walhalla
“A successful tourism initiative, grown through careful planning and financial management. A strategic approach to growth and an excellent compliance regime support a sound tourism attraction heavily dependent upon having engaged and active volunteers.”