QLD - Telstra Australian Business Awards

Messagecom provides telephone message systems to more than 1,000 small business clients. The business aims to provide entertaining and educational on hold telephone messages that get noticed. Messagecom was started in the spare bedroom of a home in Townsville five years ago but today has moved into custom-built sound studios and offices on the Gold Coast.

The PRO-ARCH PODIATRY CENTRE was established in Cairns in 1992. Since that time the business has developed and trademarked its own custom-made arch supports and opened a second centre in Mackay. Within 12 months of opening, the Mackay centre reached the performance and profitability of the original centre - something attributed to a clear vision and an effective business and marketing plan.

Markinson Technologies is a software developer specialising in products for distribution, sales and service companies working in traditional and e-commerce environments. Their signature product services a range of business needs from customer service to operations, supply management and financial management and reporting. Markinson Technologies services clients in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

MiniMovers has been providing Southeast Queensland residents with short-distance removal services since 1985. The company started the business with an initial investment of $200 and one vehicle. Today, MiniMovers employs up to 90 people and operates 26 trucks and five support vehicles. The company's in-house training system has provided work opportunities for unskilled and the long-term unemployed.