Recognition well deserved

Highlights

SA

2009 Telstra South Australian Business of the Year

Edible Blooms

Edible Blooms offers a unique twist on traditional flower and gift delivery, offering “bouquets” of gourmet chocolates, home-baked cookies, fresh fruit and even “beer cakes”. From its beginnings as a sole owner-operator business in 2005, Edible Blooms is one of the most popular and fastest-growing gifting websites in Australia and has developed a cult-like following by offering a unique range, easy online access, speedy delivery across Australia and the “wow” factor the blooms provide upon arrival. From humble beginnings, Edible Blooms has grown exponentially with current growth at 30 per cent, a database of 50,000 clients, stores in four states and 15 employees providing a national delivery service. A combination of technology in packaging and sophisticated courier networks has enabled delivery to include regional Australia, greatly increasing the market potential for the company to continue expansion into regional areas.

2009 South Australian Winner of the businessowner Micro-Business Award

The Trademan

A motto of ‘say what you do, do what you say’ has seen this Adelaide-based retail home improvement business successfully supply exterior home improvement products with a no-nonsense approach since 2005. With only $10,000 to set up the business, it achieved remarkable growth with a $2.1 million turnover in its third year. As consumers were being increasingly subjected to high pressure sales tactics and poor product knowledge, an opportunity existed for The Trademan to offer a significant point of difference in the market. After this initial success, the business faced significant obstacles but is overcoming them with attention to detail and exceptional customer service. The Trademan has ambitious long term plans to duplicate the business model to expand through franchise opportunities to other states throughout Australia, using web-based marketing and digital communication to stay ahead of their competitors.

2009 South Australian Winner of the MYOB Small Business Award

Edible Blooms

Edible Blooms offers a unique twist on traditional flower and gift delivery, offering “bouquets” of gourmet chocolates, home-baked cookies, fresh fruit and even “beer cakes”. From its beginnings as a sole owner-operator business in 2005, Edible Blooms is one of the most popular and fastest-growing gifting websites in Australia and has developed a cult-like following by offering a unique range, easy online access, speedy delivery across Australia and the “wow” factor the blooms provide upon arrival. From humble beginnings, Edible Blooms has grown exponentially with current growth at 30 per cent, a database of 50,000 clients, stores in four states and 15 employees providing a national delivery service. A combination of technology in packaging and sophisticated courier networks has enabled delivery to include regional Australia, greatly increasing the market potential for the company to continue expansion into regional areas.

2009 South Australian Winner of the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award

Solar Shop Australia

Solar Shop Australia is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the global move toward renewable energy supplies. From start-up to market leader in just 10 years, Solar Shop Australia provides renewable energy solutions for customers based on photovoltaic grid connected and remote power systems. Vision and courage are the hallmarks of this company which was the first to introduce a thin-film amorphous solar panel into the Australian market at a time competitors thought it was too risky. This is now one of the company’s signature products and part of the reason it is leading the industry. Solar Shop Australia has now expanded its operations to include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, Canberra and Tasmania and boasts a regional network of more than 20 consultants, making it the only renewable energy company of its kind to service the majority of the country.

2009 South Australian Winner of the AMP Innovation Award

Vaxine Pty Ltd

Small vaccine research and development business, Vaxine, has demonstrated to the world that hard work and an innovative approach can be the basis for unparalleled success. When it opened its doors in 2004, against prevailing wisdom that a biotech needed a large pharmaceutical partner and an early listing on the Australian stock exchange to succeed, there was no inkling of the enormous success that the company would go on to achieve. Despite beliefs that vaccines were a dying and unprofitable business and that new vaccine technologies had no commercial future, Vaxine has proven that an innovative business model based upon a firm belief in its product can outperform a competitor many times its size. Vaxine recently signed an $8.5 million five-year contract to provide vaccine research and development services to the US government and a new license deal with a major overseas influenza vaccine manufacturer.

2009 South Australian Winner of the Sensis Social Responsibility Award

Clarke and Associates Veterinary Practice

Clarke and Associates is working hard to tackle a challenge faced by businesses in rural communities across Australia – the recruitment and retention of qualified staff. This small veterinary business based in Mt Gambier has overcome many of the difficulties generally associated with operating in a rural setting and its reputation as a graduatefriendly practice has helped to attract and retain loyal staff. The practice continues to develop relationships with Melbourne, Adelaide and Wagga Veterinary Schools to expand the provision of training clinical experience for undergraduate vets and nurses. Clarke & Associates is also considering the creation of an in house crèche and child care facilities to further increase the flexibility of the workplace for its employees.


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