A RECORD 830 people attended this year’s Quality Business Awards, just held at the TRECC.
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Tamworth Business Chamber organised the event, in which 500 businesses were nominated for an award, with more than 200 of those named as finalists.
Marketing and communications executive manager Jill Stewart said the feeling in the room on the night was one of collaboration, celebration and contemplation.
“To see so many people come together at the awards to support one another is both humbling and inspiring,” Ms Stewart said.
Tamworth Business Chamber President Jye Segboer said the success of the awards showed a boosted confidence with the chamber’s general business activities and attributed much of the success to the revamped judging process, focused member and sponsor engagement and broader marketing activities of the chamber.
“The 2018 Quality Business Awards would not be possible without the support of a record number of businesses in our region that have sponsored the awards this year,” Mr Segboer said.
“We’ve seen an increase in sponsorship commitment since last year’s record amount.”
Another first was the introduction of The Northern Daily Leader People’s Choice Award.
Here’s a highlight of some of the winners from the 30 categories.
Edwina Sharrock has been perfecting and teaching Birth Beat antenatal classes for five years and continues to do so.
Her efforts were rewarded on Friday, August 10 when her business won the excellence in innovation award.
“It was hugely humbling to be recognised and I want to be able to take the opportunity to thank the incredible Tamworth community.
“To every mum, dad, midwife, obstetrician, GP and friend who has referred another to Birth Beat.
“This is what helps local businesses grow and scale and the support I have received has been amazing.”
Sampson’s Car Repairs won the award for excellence in customer service in motor transport sales-service.
The business has a staff of seven as well as owners Luke and Jodie Sampson.
“Our staff work hard, they are dedicated to providing great customer service and have a commitment to excellence,” Mrs Sampson said.
“We strive for perfection on every job to achieve customer satisfaction, as ensuring repeat business is essential,” she advises businesses that want to succeed.
“Branding is a huge part of being easily recognised in the community.
“Promote yourself positively, support your local sporting clubs and charities where possible.
“Winning the award recognised the hours dedicated to growing the business and a well-earned pat on the back for Sampson’s hard working staff,” Mrs Sampson said.
“We Make it Right” is the goal of the team at Inland Technology.
The business won the outstanding employer of choice award at the Quality Business Awards.
“Our industry has been facing disruption for many years and this has driven us to focus on continuous improvement, embracing new technologies and to be the best we can be,” owner Peter Ryan said.
Inland Tecnology employs 27 staff in more than four locations including Tamworth, Armidale, Dubbo and Moree.
It is owned by Peter and Annette Ryan, pictured above right.
“To be announced the winner of employer of choice and outstanding business leader was a shock and a thrill at the same time,” Mr Ryan said.
“Winning the awards was fantastic for our staff.
“To receive external recognition for a job well done is a great reward for the efforts of our staff over many years.
“Thank you to our clients who nominated us. Well done to Tamworth Chamber for hosting a fantastic awards night.”
Konekt Workcare extends a big “thank you” to all its clients who nominated the team for this year’s Quality Business Awards.
Konekt won the excellence in small business award.
“We’d also like to congratulate a number of our business clients who also won on the night,” director Emily Walker said. “In injury rehabilitation, we often, only work with businesses when something goes wrong, however last Friday was a wonderful celebration of quality.
“For us, the excellence in small business award is a massive confidence boost that our local focus is working for our clients.
“We’re the last surviving regionally-based occupational rehabilitation provider and we’ve done it through working harder and maintaining higher service standards than our corporate competitors.”
Konekt employs five full-time staff including three occupational therapist and an employment specialist, with more than 30 years experience between the team.
Konekt is locally owned and operated.
Paceway Tamworth has evolved into a diverse events facility. It won the excellence in customer service in tourism, sport and entertainment award at the awards night.
“My staff, Matt Allston, Mal Hunt and I are proud to have won this award as our hard work and commitment has paid off,” promotions and facility manager Joanne Shepherd said.
“We pride our success on good old fashioned customer service and take pride in ensuring we know what our customers’ needs are.”
Click here for the full list of the 2018 Quality Business Awards winners.