A stellar line-up of local operators will vie for the top gong at the 2022 Hunter Business Awards.
The finalists were unveiled in all categories this week, with eight people eyeing off the crown as the Outstanding Business Leader on Friday 26 August.
They include Anita White (Witmore), Annie Jiang (Go Circular), Chris Seysener (HVCCC), Grant Jupe (Raine and Horne Muswellbrook), Justin Hales (Camplify), Michelle Kent (Kent Conveyancing), Alison McQueen (Newcastle and Hunter Community Health) and Tim Faulkner (Aussie Ark).
An equally-impressive field is striving to claim the title of Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader, too.
And, Alexander Wheeler (Hickey Wheeler), Alicia Floyer (Next Legal and Conveyancing), Brodie Meney (Aussie Ark), Cameron Owen (SAPHI Engineering), Clara Riddle (Supreme and Stone), Jordan Peterson (Acrobat Removals and Storage), Justine Aubin (August and Claire), Kiraley Martin (Lake Macquarie City Council), Scott Lynch (Community Therapy) and Steven Fordham (Blackrock Industries) are all worthy nominees this year.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes congratulated the finalists on their successful submissions.
“Growing further on the record 2021 entries, 2022 has been our most contested awards in the 40 years since its inception, with about 170 being judged,” Mr Hawes said.
“This is an amazing response when you consider the past 12 months many businesses have experienced as they continue to battle the disruption, uncertainties and down-right frustrations in the current economy.
“Business Hunter is proud to be offering our region a chance to continue this great tradition of recognising excellence and celebrating our regional business’ achievements.
“The judges had their work cut out for them scoring and selecting the finalists from a group of outstanding entries.
“It’s clear that after another challenging year, businesses have come back with gusto and are clearly committed to excellence in their services, operations and employment.
“After running the awards event for the past two years at the Civic Theatre in a modified fashion to accommodate COVID restrictions, we are looking forward to hosting a gala event at the NEX.
“We thank all the businesses that entered and, while not all can be finalists, hope they all feel extremely proud of what they have achieved during 2021/22.
“I’d also like to express my gratitude to the University of Newcastle for its enduring support.”
2022 Hunter Business Awards finalists
Outstanding Business Leader
- Anita White – Witmore
- Annie Jiang – Go Circular
- Chris Seysener – HVCCC
- Grant Jupe – Raine and Horne Muswellbrook
- Justin Hales – Camplify
- Michelle Kent – Kent Conveyancing
- Alison McQueen – Newcastle and Hunter Community Health
- Tim Faulkner – Aussie Ark
Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader
- Alexander Wheeler – Hickey Wheeler
- Alicia Floyer – Next Legal and Conveyancing
- Brodie Meney – Aussie Ark
- Cameron Owen – SAPHI Engineering
- Clara Riddle – Supreme and Stone
- Jordan Peterson – Acrobat Removals and Storage
- Justine Aubin – August and Claire
- Kiraley Martin – Lake Macquarie City Council
- Scott Lynch – Community Therapy
- Steven Fordham – Blackrock Industries
Outstanding Employee
- Andrea MacDougall – Camplify
- Eddie Toubia – Green Street Property
- Hayley Shute – Aussie Ark
- Janice Lawrence – Hunter Valley Sports
- Jordan Farrelly – A Growing Understanding
- Kayla Russell – Palfreyman Charted Accountants
- Luisa Amosa – Hunt Hospitality
- Skye Harvey – Myrtec
- Stephanie Kelly – Conveyancing Services
- Vanessa Johns – Chilcare College
Contribution to the Region
- Aussie Ark
- Belgravia Leisure North NSW
- Catherine Henry Lawyers
- Home in Place
- Hunt Hospitality
- Morgan Engineering
- Out of the Square
- Port Authority of NSW
- Roma Orchard
- Tomago Aluminium Company
Love Water, Love Business
- Belmont Golf Club
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
- Oaks Pacific Blue Resort
Outstanding Local Chamber
- Adamstown Business Group
- Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
- Business Singleton
- Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Employer of Choice
- Early Links
- Hicksons Lawyers Newcastle
- Hunter Imaging Group
- Lake Group Strata
- Morgan Engineering
- Newcastle and Hunter Community Health
- Newcastle Permanent
- PKF Sydney and Newcastle
- Psychology by IPAR
- Umwelt
Excellence in Export
- Batrium Pty Ltd
- Leogate Estate Wines
- Tomago Aluminium Company Pty Ltd
Outstanding Start-Up
- August Bloom Hunter Valley
- Clarke & Co Estate Agents
- Go Circular
- Hickey Wheeler
- Jaegersoft
- Mummel Road – Positive Behaviour Support
- Resourceful Living
- Salt Property Newcastle
- Sustainable Foundations
- The Rouge Scholar
Excellence in Innovation
- SAPHI Engineering
- Blue Tribe Co.
- Camplify
- Community Therapy
- HVCCC
- Fire Response
- ProCare Mental Health Services
- Morgan Engineering
- Tomago Aluminium Company
- Whiteley
Excellence in Sustainability
- Feedback Organics
- Home in Place
- Imaginelle Foundations
- Move to Renewables
- Orica Kooragang Island
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together Towards Zero 2030
- The Hi-Vis Group
Excellence in Large Business
- A Growing Understanding
- Air Extreme Air Conditioning
- Camplify
- Community Therapy
- iGym 24/7
- Morgan Engineering
- Newcastle Permanent
- Ourcare Services Ltd
- The Hi-Vis Group
- The Royal Hotel Muswellbrook
Excellence in Small Business
- Aussie Ark
- CPR Pest Management Services
- GDW Engineering
- Invent Air
- MV Solar
- Next Legal and Conveyancing
- R & R Property
- Salon Ten
- SAPHI Engineering
- Seed People Consulting 2022
Excellence in Micro Business
- Adventures in Speech Pathology
- Borne Clothing
- Hunter Valley Elite Window Tinting
- The Hunter in a Basket
- Valorium Advisors
Outstanding Community Organisation
- Adamstown Bowling Club
- Early Links
- Home in Place
- Reach for Training
- Swansea Community Cottage
- The Mai-Wel Group
- Upper Hunter Homeless Support
- Youth Express
This article originally appeared in Newcastle Weekly