Business awards announced

Creativity, determination and unstoppable drive took centre stage last night with the announcement of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards winners.

Twenty awards were presented to businesses, leaders and young entrepreneurs during the Geelong Chamber of Commerce event at Geelong Arts Centre on 30 October.

Plumbing and environmental solutions service Kennedys Group received two awards during the event, including Business of the Year and Advanced Manufacturing and Industry.

The Business Leader of the Year award was presented to Aamir Qutub, who, after moving to Australia from India, founded Enterprise Monkey in 2014 to deliver digital innovation and solutions for businesses.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to David Greenwood, who has more than 15 years of experience in small business, arts management and community advocacy.

GMHBA won Employer of Choice, followed by Quest Geelong Central with Best First Year, Surf Coast Women’s Health Group with Emerging Business, and The Q Train with the Tourism and Hospitality award.

Workplace management software Microkeeper took out the Innovation, Research and Development awards, and waste management company Sycle won the Corporate Social Responsibility award.

Body Recon was recognised with the Small Business award, followed by Spirit of Tasmania for Digital Engagement and Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling for Health and Wellbeing Promoting Workplace.

Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants took out the Customer Service award, while Montessori Minds Childcare and Kindergarten received the Inclusive and Accessible award, and QA Electrical won the Medium to Large Business award.

Other awards included Sustainable Business for Harvest Experience, Safe and Healthy Business for Psychs in Schools, Retail Business for Mr Brown’s Menswear and Home-based and Micro for Elizabeth Bell Ceramics.

Visit gbea.com.au/winners-announced for more information about the awards and winners.