SA - Telstra Australian Business Awards
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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.