TAS - Telstra Australian Business Awards

‘Glenn has had to overcome many obstacles in his life and the past year in particular has tested him; but through it all he maintained excellent communication with his clients and still ran his business with integrity and pride.’ Katrina Pate, Co-owner

Despite struggling with a life-threatening illness which limited his career opportunities, Glenn Pate turned to a profession in body art. Initially, he worked for a number of tattoo studios, but felt the jobs restricted creativity. In February 2011, he and wife Katrina established their own body art and piercing business, Ink Slave Tattoos, in Berriedale. After facing a personally challenging first year, Glenn continued to run his business and relationships with clients with integrity. In July 2011, the studio ran a 24-hour tattoo fundraising marathon which connected with the community involving clients, local residents and tattooist from the mainland. Today, Ink Slave has a reputation for great designs and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere catering for all ages. The business has attracted a number of tattooing awards and featured special appearances by international and national artists. Its Facebook page has attracted 4000 fans and word-of-mouth referrals have maintained steady growth.

‘We are proud of establishing a reputation as the one-stop-shop for consultancy on flavour and quality of fresh produce in Australia.’ Dr Hazel MacTavish-West, Director

After 11 years in the UK working as a consultant to the food and farming industry, Dr Hazel MacTavish-West and her husband Darren West returned to Tasmania for a better work-life balance. Upon settling back home, Hazel, a plant scientist, and Darren, who has a science and engineering degree and a background in computer hardware design, combined their skills and established MacTavish West. The company uses food science to help farmers or manufacturers improve the flavour, colour and nutritional quality of their plant-derived products. It also assists with the extraction, purification and analysis of plant extracts for commercial use. MacTavish West is now assisting with the development of a new range of natural anti-ageing bioactive extracts from a range of plants as part of an Australian Government-funded project. It also provides software, hardware and systems design with experience in a number of commercial sectors including avionics, high performance computing platforms, and communications systems.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from our families, I am proud to have created an inclusive and dynamic space for children to learn and grow.’ Erica Hendy, Owner/Director

Tiny Tackers Children's Centre is committed to providing a learning environment in which children have the opportunity to grow in a positive, motivating and fun way. Working in partnership with families, the Centre’s team of educators are committed to providing each child with an individual program to support their development, preparing them for a journey of life-long learning. Erica Hendy started out in the early learning sector in 2005, before completing a diploma and opening her own childcare centre in Glenorchy last year, at 21, with only four children. Tiny Tackers now delivers an early learning experience to more than 70 families. The Centre prides itself on creating a 'home away from home' atmosphere so children feel a sense of belonging and can be supported in a nurturing environment. As a young business woman, Erica is determined to give back to her community by supporting families and mentoring prospective educators to inspire their future careers.

‘Everyone comments on what a great achievement it is to have a beauty business of such a high standard in Sorell.’ Alycia Hall, Owner/Manager

At the end of 2010, after working off and on in the beauty industry for several years and seeking a new challenge, Alycia Hall decided to open her own business in Sorell. She observed there was a demand for an up-market salon that catered to clients from not only surrounding areas, but also the East Coast of Tasmania and the Tasman Peninsula. Opening in January 2011, waxed… beauty therapy’s services range from waxing, tinting, relaxation massage, body treatments and facials. The salon also specialises in micro-dermabrasion - a skin beauty technique which promotes skin rejuvenation. Alycia believes her attitude towards clients, including offering flexible operating hours, coupled with using the highest standard of products and latest equipment has helped drive her business’ initial success. After working alone for the first eight months and putting in endless hours, Alycia now employs two beauty therapists and plans to open a second salon.

‘We learnt a valuable early lesson when a guest mentioned it was their first holiday in 20 years as they had a daughter with a disability. We promised ourselves never to take a guest for granted and to take the time to get to know our guests.’ Wayne Parkes, Owner

Sydney-siders Lynne and Wayne Parkes developed an affinity with Tasmania during their first visit to the island in 1981. They dreamed of one day living in one of the state’s grand old houses and running a small hotel while sharing their love and knowledge of the area with guests. The couple purchased Clydesdale Manor, in the prestigious enclave of Sandy Bay, on Valentine’s Day 2003, before selling their Sydney digs and moving to the Apple Isle. They have transformed the heritage listed property from a bed and breakfast into an elegant and boutique 4.5 star hotel. The hotel offers guests a level of personalised service and privacy rarely attainable in larger properties. The couple focus on treating every guest with dignity and understanding. These values have been rewarded with more than 20 national and state awards and accolades. In 2011, the hotel was named Australia's No.1 Luxury Hosted Accommodation by the Accommodation Association of Australia.

With Jump Tours buses traversing the state you'll find us having a barrel of laughs whether we're jumping off sand dunes near Strahan, conquering Cradle Mountain or back flipping into the stunning waters of Wineglass Bay.’ Greg Price, Managing Director

Having grown fed-up with his Sydney investment banking job, Greg Price decided to embark on a new adventure to help young travellers experience the incredible natural beauty of his home state of Tasmania. In 2006, he bought an old tour van on the Gold Coast, drove south and conducted his own market research by talking to every backpacker he met. He found the tour products in Tasmania were either aimed at an older demographic, were too expensive or both. Greg identified an opportunity to target a younger market with affordable tours that emphasised fun and celebrated youth, while raising awareness of the island’s pristine natural attractions and conservation. The business has been able to grow and reduce overheads by utilising social media to attract direct bookings rather than relying on travel agents. In 2011, Jump Tours was named Best Tour in Tasmania at the TNT Magazine Golden Backpack Awards.

‘We are business owners and have experienced many trials and tribulations in the past, the benefit of which we can pass on to our clients.’ Debra Jeffrey, Director

Leumas Accounting provides consulting and bookkeeping services to small to medium businesses, non-profit organisations and other similar groups. Company founder, Debra Jeffrey, says one of the rewarding consequences of her profession is liberating business owners from the burden of financial areas beyond their skills so they can focus on their core strengths. The inspiration to form Leumas took shape after she tried to manoeuvre her way through the introduction of the GST while owning a cartage business. She invested a great deal of time and effort in meeting the requirements of the new tax regime, including purchasing her first accounting software. As the realities of effective bookkeeping became more apparent, it occurred to her other businesses would be grappling with the changes. She prides herself on being hands on and working at the coalface with her staff and encouraging the team to undertake ongoing study and training to ensure the highest standards.

‘We were keen to produce and market a new and exciting addition to Australia's food industry which would add to Tasmania's reputation as a producer of premium-quality foods from a world-renowned natural environment.’ Stephen Welsh, Managing Director

Shima Wasabi is dedicated to producing and selling the prized Japanese vegetable and condiment wasabi to leading Australian restaurants, the food service industry, and selected overseas markets. Until recently fresh, authentic wasabi was not available in Australia due to the difficulty of growing it in warmer climates and the high cost of importation. Following 12 years of research and development, the company developed a unique climate-controlled hydroponic production system mimicking Japan’s cold mountain conditions. In 2009, the business began exporting small volumes to Singapore, Germany, and Hong Kong. It is now the largest wasabi crop in the southern hemisphere. Co-owners Stephen and Karen Welsh started the venture to capitalise on their broad range of skills and experience in horticultural production and interest in new crops. In 2011, they were national winners in the ‘From the Earth’ category at the Delicious Magazine Produce Awards.

‘Growing up in a small family business, I had always envisaged that I would start my own business one day - having children provided an opportune time to start it.’ Kirsten Singleton, Owner/Manager

Kirsten Singleton started her business in 2001 after the birth of her first child. With a background in human resource management and seeking greater flexibility and job satisfaction, she identified a gap in the local market for HR consulting services focussing on the not-for-profit sectors. Her business specialises in workforce planning and organisational development as well as a range of other human resource management services. In 2009, after sustained growth, Singleton Consulting & Training acquired Registered Training Organisation status and started offering management and HR qualifications. Kirsten says it’s exciting to see people gain confidence, get recognition for their achievements and in turn grasp new opportunities through education. The move to owning a business has also been an education for Kirsten. She has learnt the importance of self-care, making time for herself while managing the demands of the business and her family, and putting trust in her own business instincts.

‘Our progressive approach, healthy dissatisfaction and continual desire to be the best has led us to working harder and smarter.’ Jarrod Medwin, Director

Father and son team Brian and Jarrod Medwin purchased Bargain Car Rentals Australia in 2005 as one location business with just two staff and 60 old vehicles. Today it boasts offices in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Melbourne and Darwin. The business employs 17 full time staff and offers more than 500 vehicles, ranging from cars, trucks, vans, utes, buses, campervans and motor homes. The pair were drawn to the rental car business as a result of their own experiences renting cars while travelling extensively. Through their travels they realised opportunities for improvements in the industry. They decided to operate a little differently from others in terms of kilometre allowances, insurance liabilities, eliminating hidden costs and a friendly 'can do' approach toward business and customers. The company plans to continue to grow through providing the highest level of customer service and support, coupled with the most competitive rates and insurance options on the market.

‘By offering a range of financial services under one roof, our team helps clients create the future they want.’ Michael Spinks, Principal

Collins SBA manages all matters financial for their clients - from wealth creation and protection to lending and accounting. The Hobart-based business - started in 2003 by Michael Spinks, Jonathan Elliot and Rob Adams – was based on the founders’ passion to create a secure future for their clients and their families through smart money decisions. From a small team of three, the business now employs 21 staff including a team of wealth advisers, business advisors, accountants and specialised lenders under the one roof. Collins SBA’s work with small business owners and private individuals has resulted in recognition from the finance industry. Co-founder Rob received the 2012 Ballesty Sikkema Award for his long-standing and exceptional contribution to the financial planning industry and community involvement, while Andre Pearce, a principal of the business, was named as one of CPA Australia's 40 Young Business Leaders for 2012.

‘We strive to treat clients and customers in the same way we'd like to be treated and care for their property as if it were our own.’ Megan Hampton, Director

In 2009, Bella Fountain, Megan Hampton and Kirsty Dunphey recognised a need in the Launceston real estate industry for a specialist property management service. At inception, the business held management rights for 12 rental properties. Three and a half years later Ms Dunphey and Ms Hampton manage 345, have expanded into Hobart and employ nine full-time staff. This rapid growth presented a challenge for the directors who realised they would need to move away from their 100 per cent hands-on approach. This was overcome through exceptional staff selection, training and development and a flexible family-friendly workplace. The founders also credit success to its client communication program. At the bare minimum, clients are contacted weekly while the property is on the rental market. During the life of the lease, updates about property condition, tenants and long-term property care are provided every 16 weeks. The company was judged Property Manager of the Year 2011 by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.

‘A focus on building a community, continued customer loyalty, providing excellent customer services and high quality organic products is the key to our successful business.’ Alban Johnson, Owner

The mainstreaming of ethical shopping and a huge increase in organic food demand has delivered considerable growth for organic and natural food retailer Eumarrah. Initially established in Hobart in 1985, the business expanded into Launceston in 2010. The core focus of the business is to provide a healthy food alternative for the people of Tasmania. Eumarrah stores are designed to make shopping a pleasant experience, with a spacious layout, a 'natural' feel and friendly staff. The business focuses on providing the highest quality organic and natural foods including meat, poultry, dairy, vegan, gluten free, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, cereals, flours, grains, legumes, oils and peanut butter. The company’s customers are so loyal that thousands of them successfully lobbied the State Government to overturn the decision to outlaw self-serve bulk bins in its store. The business has demonstrated its social responsibility values through sending 10 pallets of food to Asia following the 2003 tsunami.

‘One of the key drivers of the business is providing outstanding customer service and always delivering beyond expectations. This has given us the edge to move the business forward.’ Paula Leishman, Managing Director

For Paula Leishman, the success of her conference and events company, Leishman Associates, is ‘all about the people’. When she set up her business in 1994 from her home after moving from Perth to Hobart, her motivation was to just create a job for herself. From growing the business on a shoestring budget, Paula’s priorities have evolved to not only create a career for herself but also develop career paths for her team. The business now employs a team of 17 to manage events for customers ranging from associations, corporates and government bodies. In the past year the team has managed more than 30 events across Australia and internationally. Its success has resulted in the company planning to open a Melbourne office this year. The company strives to deliver outstanding and memorable experiences for event delegates with its success built on long term and referral business.

‘TasIVF has set the benchmark for high quality and affordable IVF services in Australia.’ Dr Bill Watkins, Owner

One man’s vision to provide an affordable full service fertility clinic to Tasmania has seen TasIVF continue to grow even amid a national decline of in-vitro fertilization pregnancy attempts. TasIVF was established as a part-time service in Hobart in 1983 as Tasmania's first in-vitro fertilization clinic and one of the first in Australia. It continued as a part-time service until 1996 when Dr Watkins joined the unit. Having completed sub-specialist fertility training in Melbourne, he wanted to establish a full-time unit specialising in affordable fertility services. Dr Watkins also sponsors patients to access specialised support services for infertile couples. In 2007, he obtained sole ownership of the unit and has since grown TasIVF to 20 full-time staff, a clinic in Launceston and its own theatre, counsellors and a laboratory. The business puts its success down to being patient-focussed and excellence in staff performance achieved through a commitment to high quality training.

‘Key to our success is our highly trained staff who are experienced in a broad range of technologies and have earned an excellent reputation for the quality of their workmanship, reliability and safe work practices.’ Catherine Cave, General Manager

Comstar Systems was formed in 2009 as a result of a group of industry professionals identifying a gap in the Tasmanian market for a 'one stop shop' offering services across all telecommunications disciplines. The company also recognised future growth through increased demand from major carriers to increase mobile data capacity and the rollout of the National Broadband Network. General Manager, Catherine Cave, said attracting and retaining skilled staff, as well as a core commitment to training and mentoring, has helped the business maintain steady growth while building industry expertise. Since its establishment, Comstar Systems has expanded and created jobs for more than 20 new employees. In 2011, seven staff completed apprenticeships and a comprehensive training plan has also been implemented. The business has overcome the initial difficulties of operating out of converted containers, and grown into a company that now operates a thriving state-wide business from its depot in the Hobart CBD.

‘Never underestimate your competition and try and keep ahead of them by constantly improving product through investments in research and development.’ Diane Tompson, Director

Lightning and surge protection solutions manufacturer, Novaris, has emerged from Tasmania to become a global leader in its field. An electrical engineer, Philip founded the company with Diane in 1993 in a workshop and soon after needed to move to their current factory in Kingston. From there the manufacturing side of the business developed quickly with the establishment of a distributor network which operates throughout Australia and progressively through South East Asia. In 2003, they set up a manufacturing base in Malaysia and this year the company opened Novaris Europe to tap into new markets. Novaris – a Latin word which means ‘to innovate’ - operates a full-time research and development group, employing professional engineers and technical officers to stay ahead of its competition. The company now employs 30 staff and has consistently increased revenues after almost 20 years of operation despite fierce international competition.

'Our success comes off the back of providing excellent customer service and building strong relationships with our employees, customers and partners in supply and distribution.’ Ralph Norton, Managing Director

A clear mission to become Australia’s leading Guide and Marker Post Manufacturer has seen Launceston-based Roadside Products, win significant national and international contracts. Purchased a decade ago by Ralph and Suzanne Norton, the family-owned company designs, manufactures and sells more than 100 different products for the civil construction sector. Their products - protected through the company’s registered designs and patents - include guide and marker posts, bollards, lane dividers, site and construction posts, barrier reflectors, car park products and sign posts. Experiencing rapid growth since 2002, the company has invested in new equipment for its Launceston factory. In 2009, it commissioned a warehouse and distribution centre in Brisbane to overcome logistical and time constraints. With staff based nationwide, its strong customer focus has helped secure exclusive contracts with councils, shires and private companies throughout Australia. In 2011, it secured an international contract to supply posts to Malaysia.

‘Our company has been very fortunate to be able to attract, retain, and further develop highly skilled staff who in return show great loyalty and embrace a commitment to ensuring complete customer satisfaction.’ Bill Cromarty, Managing Director

Instrument and electrical engineering company, W A Cromarty & Co, has been involved in the delivery of everyday items from water to wine, paint to potato crisps and sewage to steel. The Launceston based company was founded by Bill and Penny Cromarty in 1988 as a specialist process control and instrument engineering company servicing Tasmanian manufacturers, process plants and utilities. At that time, such specialist engineering services were provided by large companies from the mainland. By focusing on building a skilled workforce, sticking to their core skills and offering a service of comparable quality at a lower cost, the company has grown considerably. Its staff has grown from two to 60 and it also has offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Hobart. One of its major challenges has been maintaining staff as their skills are coveted by competitors. This has been addressed by providing flexible working hours, competitive salary packages and ongoing training.

‘We strive to treat clients and customers in the same way we'd like to be treated and care for their property as if it were our own.’ Bella Fountain, Director

In 2009, Bella Fountain, Megan Hampton and Kirsty Dunphey recognised a need in the Launceston real estate industry for a specialist property management service. At inception, the business held management rights for 12 rental properties. Three and a half years later they manage 345, have expanded into Hobart and employ nine full-time staff. This rapid growth presented a challenge for the directors who realised they would need to move away from their 100 per cent hands-on approach. This was overcome through exceptional staff selection, training and development and a flexible family-friendly workplace. The founders also credit success to its client communication program. At the bare minimum, clients are contacted weekly while the property is on the rental market. During the life of the lease, updates about property condition, tenants and long-term property care are provided every 16 weeks. The company was judged Property Manager of the Year 2011 by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.

‘Our success comes off the back of providing excellent customer service and building strong relationships with our employees, customers and partners in supply and distribution.’ Ralph Norton, Managing Director

A clear mission to become Australia’s leading Guide and Marker Post Manufacturer has seen Launceston-based Roadside Products, win significant national and international contracts. Purchased a decade ago by Ralph and Suzanne Norton, the family-owned company designs, manufactures and sells more than 100 different products for the civil construction sector. Their products - protected through the company’s registered designs and patents - include guide and marker posts, bollards, lane dividers, site and construction posts, barrier reflectors, car park products and sign posts. Experiencing rapid growth since 2002, the company has invested in new equipment for its Launceston factory. In 2009, it commissioned a warehouse and distribution centre in Brisbane to overcome logistical and time constraints. With staff based nationwide, its strong customer focus has helped secure exclusive contracts with councils, shires and private companies throughout Australia. In 2011, it secured an international contract to supply posts to Malaysia.

‘We were keen to produce and market a new and exciting addition to Australia's food industry which would add to Tasmania's reputation as a producer of premium-quality foods from a world-renowned natural environment.’ Stephen Welsh, Managing Director

Shima Wasabi is dedicated to producing and selling the prized Japanese vegetable and condiment wasabi to leading Australian restaurants, the food service industry, and selected overseas markets. Until recently fresh, authentic wasabi was not available in Australia due to the difficulty of growing it in warmer climates and the high cost of importation. Following 12 years of research and development, the company developed a unique climate-controlled hydroponic production system mimicking Japan’s cold mountain conditions. In 2009, the business began exporting small volumes to Singapore, Germany, and Hong Kong. It is now the largest wasabi crop in the southern hemisphere. Co-owners Stephen and Karen Welsh started the venture to capitalise on their broad range of skills and experience in horticultural production and interest in new crops. In 2011, they were national winners in the ‘From the Earth’ category at the Delicious Magazine Produce Awards.

‘Everyone comments on what a great achievement it is to have a beauty business of such a high standard in Sorell.’ Alycia Hall, Owner/Manager

At the end of 2010, after working off and on in the beauty industry for several years and seeking a new challenge, Alycia Hall decided to open her own business in Sorell. She observed there was a demand for an up-market salon that catered to clients from not only surrounding areas, but also the East Coast of Tasmania and the Tasman Peninsula. Opening in January 2011, waxed… beauty therapy’s services range from waxing, tinting, relaxation massage, body treatments and facials. The salon also specialises in micro-dermabrasion - a skin beauty technique which promotes skin rejuvenation. Alycia believes her attitude towards clients, including offering flexible operating hours, coupled with using the highest standard of products and latest equipment has helped drive her business’ initial success. After working alone for the first eight months and putting in endless hours, Alycia now employs two beauty therapists and plans to open a second salon.