Northern Rivers Business Magazine
Celebrating Excellence In Small Business
Elements of Byron was the venue for the 2017 NSW Business Chamber Northern Rivers Awards. It was a night of celebrating business from the region and acknowledging and rewarding those businesses that have gone the extra mile – like excellence in small business winners, Aurora Suspended Fires.
Now in its fourth year, the Business Awards recognise excellence in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, business growth and employment practices across the Northern Rivers region.
Businesses both big and small picked up awards rising to the stage to accept them just as they rose to the challenges of running a business.
It’s a testament to the region’s resilience that just a few short months ago the area was subjected to widespread flooding which devastated homes and businesses alike.
Murwillumbah & District Business Chamber showed their true strength by developing innovative strategies to assist their membership base and wider community to recover and rebuild after the weather event. This along with their successful event marketing and membership growth strategies won them the Local Chamber of Commerce Award.
Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Jane Laverty, said this year’s finalists represent a fantastic cross section of businesses from right across the Northern Rivers.
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate excellence in the local business community and showcase their success at a local, regional and state level,” Ms Laverty said.
Good Luck for State Awards
The 2017 Northern Rivers Business Awards showcase the diverse array of talent in the region’s business community. We wish them luck as they go forward to the State awards in Sydney in October.
“This year’s winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region’s leading businesses for 2017, and we wish them every success as they continue to represent the Northern Rivers at the NSW Business Chamber State Business Awards later this year”, said Jane Laverty, Regional Manager, Northern Rivers.
Regional award winners going through to the state awards are:
2017 Regional Business of the Year h4. 2017 Excellence in Business h4. 2017 Excellence in Export
Brookfarm
Brookfarm is a generational family owned business based in Byron Bay and a leading regional food manufacturer in the Northern Rivers region. The business produces premium quality macadamia products for the Australian and export markets. Their processes and attention to quality has given them a competitive advantage in the export market as a recognised and trusted brand. They are furthermore contributing to and supporting rural and regional Australia by creating real jobs, opportunities and helping the local community
2017 Excellence in Small Business
Aurora Suspended Fires
Aurora Suspended Fires is a family owned business and the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of suspended fireplaces in Australia, one of only three companies globally specialising in these unique fires. A substantial year on year sales growth of 59% shows how well received their unique offerings has been.
2017 Excellence in Social Enterprise Award
Yaru Water
Yaru Water is an Australian family business specialising in more than just water, it tells an important cultural story whilst empowering disadvantaged Australian indigenous communities. There is a considerable health gap existing between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians and addressing this is one of the organisation’s top priorities.
2017 Young Entrepreneur
Jeremy Holmes, Elements of Byron
Jeremy Holmes is a 35 year old Development Director for Elements of Byron, a world class Beachfront resort providing luxury accommodation for a variety of guests and purposes. Jeremy has worked for the company since its start in 2010 and has worked hard to provide Byron Bay with a quality full service accommodation since then.
2017 Business Leader
Karen Justice, Just for Pets
Karen Justice is CEO for Just for Pets, a buying group representing independent pet retailers across Australia and plays an important role in a sad social problem of unwanted animals. Her ability to inspire, motivate and bringing employees together, both in good and bad times, has contributed to the success of the business.
2017 Young Business Executive
Johnson Hunter, The Farm
Johnson Hunter is the General Manager for The Farm Byron Bay, a working farm that houses a collection of micro-businesses. Growing up on a farm and seeing the hard work behind farming has formed his passion for agriculture and love for the land.
2017 Start Up Superstar
Cape Byron Distillery
Cape Byron Distillery is a farm distillery in the hinterland of Byron Bay producing Brookie’s Gin, a beautifully balanced combination of the finest traditional and local botanicals. The company specialises in creating the highest quality spirits that encompass elements from its natural surroundings whilst honouring traditions and staying true to the art of distillation.
2017 Excellence in Sustainability h4. 2017 Employer of Choice
SAE Group
SAE Group is one of the largest energy efficient companies on the Eastern Seaboard of Australia specialising in energy efficient technology such as solar power, air conditioning and electrical work. The company constantly works to ensure that the business is environmentally sustainable, their volunteer “Green Team” ensure that everyone is well informed and use office recycling and energy
usage appropriately.
2017 Excellence in Innovation
Bee Inventive
Bee Inventive is a family owned company and is behind the multi award-winning honey harvesting system, Flow Hive. The innovation has changed the whole honey harvesting industry and it now allows beekeepers to remove the honey from a langstroth hive without removing the frames and disturbing the bees.
2017 Local Chamber of Commerce
Murwillumbah & District Business Chamber
Over the past 12 months the Chamber has achieved significant membership growth and held a number of successful events such as Santaland & Mindshop Excellence that enrich the business and local community. The Chamber developed innovative strategies to assist members and community after the March floods.
