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MYOB says Telstra Business Awards can help businesses

18 March 2010 – Some of the major business challenges identified by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could be helped by participation in the 2010 Telstra Business Awards, according to MYOB, one of the Awards’ sponsors, and a past winner.

The most recent MYOB Business Monitor found that some business owners have difficulty with marketing to attract new customers, access to affordable and reliable business advice and getting finance to grow their business.

MYOB CEO Tim Reed said the survey found that getting affordable and reliable business advice was a difficulty for more than one in four SMEs, particularly for those businesses with fewer than 20 employees, businesses owned by women and businesses established less than five years.

All SMEs entering the 2010 Telstra Business Awards will automatically qualify for a free Business Health Check which provides an objective snapshot of how a business is currently performing and can help to identify and take advantage of opportunities to grow.

Mr Reed indicated that a Business Health Check could be just what the doctor ordered for many businesses. “This initiative could help SMEs to take a fresh look at their business practices such as marketing, one of the key areas of difficulty identified in the MYOB Business Monitor. It could also assist business owners to build a sound business plan, which is important for access to finance,” he said.

Mr Reed said winning a Telstra Business Award in 1996 provided MYOB with the confidence and inspiration to keep setting its sights higher and higher. He added: “We encourage Australian business owners to enter the Telstra Business Awards and hope the Awards program also inspires them to continue to go from strength to strength.”

Nominations are now open for the 2010 Telstra Business Awards which recognise excellence in small and medium business both nationally and in every state and territory.

They offer a combined prize pool of more than $400,000 in cash and prizes as well as the chance to win Australia’s most prestigious business prize, the Telstra Australian Business of the Year.

The categories in the 2010 Telstra Business Awards are:

businessowner Micro-Business Award for businesses with five employees or fewer.
MYOB Small Business Award for businesses with more than five employees but less than or equal to 20 employees.
Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award for businesses with more than 20 employees, but less than or equal to 200 employees.
AMP Innovation Award for businesses that have successfully introduced an innovation.
Sensis Social Responsibility Award for demonstrated leadership and contribution by a business to the environment, people, education or the community.

To nominate and enter the 2010 Telstra Business Awards, visit telstrabusinessawards.com or for any questions you can call the Telstra Business Awards Team on 1800 262 323 between 9am and 7pm AEST Monday to Friday. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 16 April 2010 (AEST).

Research Report: MYOB Business Monitor, The voice of Australia’s business owners, released November 2009, can be downloaded here

Media contact:

John Hanrahan
Lighthouse Communications
0411 212 965

Telstra media contact:
Kathryn McFarlane
0419 850 201

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Free ‘health check’ for businesses entering Australia’s top awards

22 February 2010 – The 2010 Telstra Business Awards open for nominations today with entrants offered a ‘free Business Health Check’ to help identify opportunities to grow and expand.

It’s the 18th year Telstra has run the Awards recognising excellence in small and medium business both nationally and in every state and territory. They offer a combined prize pool of more than $400,000 in cash and prizes, as well as the kudos that comes from taking out Australia’s best-known and most prestigious business prize.

Deena Shiff, Telstra Business Group Managing Director, says 2010 will be a milestone year for the Telstra Business Awards with the added value of the new "Business Health Check".

"Running a small business can be a lonely job at times with owners usually working long hours often on their own - they don't readily have the opportunity to get an independent assessment of how they are really travelling,” Ms Shiff said.

"Every year we get great feedback from entrants and finalists that entering the Awards has helped them focus and plan their businesses.

“The new Business Health Check really takes that a step further offering all businesses entering the chance to check their vital signs and get an even better picture of where they stand and how well placed they are to take advantage of opportunities to grow and expand."

The Business Health Check is based on international benchmarking standards including the Global Reporting Index and Innovation Standards, current legislation and accepted industry best practice.It was developed by Telstra Business in consultation with the NSW Business Chamber which has been using it to coach and develop businesses over the past four years.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entering will automatically qualify for the Health Check, which forms part of the entry process and provides an objective snapshot of how a business is currently performing. It can also help with plans and adjustments for the future on their approach to key management functions.

From the responses provided in the Awards entry submission, businesses can receive advice designed to deliver opportunities to achieve effective competitive advantages in key aspects including customer and staff management, product development, social responsibility, financial management and marketing.

Ms Shiff said the value of the Health Check was evident in a recent Telstra Business survey of more than 300 SMEs which showed almost half believed that a strong business plan was critical to their business improvement.

“For almost two decades the Telstra Business Awards have helped improve hundreds of successful businesses, propelling them forward to further big achievements. We look forward to building on that this year,” Ms Shiff said.

Dr Margarite Vale, Founder and Director of the Victorian company, The COACH Program, which won the 2009 Telstra Australian Business Award, said the Award has had an ongoing impact on her business.

“Winning the Telstra Business Award was great recognition for something I have been working on for 15 years and it has given us wonderful exposure,” Dr. Vale said.

“Since being named as the Telstra Australian Business Award Winner last year, The COACH Program has experienced business growth, including some existing customers expanding the program, others extending contracts and some new customers.”

“It has enhanced our reputation as a business and given us great kudos among our customers – both existing and new. All of our customers were thrilled and said they were proud to be associated with us.”

For the 2010 Telstra Business Awards, the categories are:

businessowner Micro-Business Award – For businesses with five employees or fewer
MYOB Small Business Award – For businesses with more than five employees, but less than or equal to 20 employees
Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award – For businesses with more than 20 employees, but less than or equal to 200 employees
AMP Innovation Award – For businesses that have successfully introduced an innovation
Sensis Social Responsibility Award – For demonstrated leadership and contribution by a business to the environment, people, education or the community

Category awards are offered in each state and territory, and an overall state/territory winner is selected from the category winners. Winners of each state/territory category are then eligible to take out the national category, with the overall state/territory winners eligible to win the 2010 Telstra Australian Business of the Year, which will be announced on 20 August.

To nominate and enter go to telstrabusinessawards.com or for any questions, you can call the Telstra Business Awards Team on 1800 262 323 between 9am and 7pm AEST Monday to Friday. Entries close at 5pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday 16 April 2010.

Media contact:

John Hanrahan
Lighthouse Communications
Ph: 02 9692 8811; M: 0411 212 965

Telstra media contact:
Kathryn McFarlane
0419 850 201

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Victorian health business named Australia’s best

Embargoed till 11pm – August 20 2009

A Victorian business which has developed an innovative coaching program to improve the lives of people with chronic illnesses has taken out the top honours in the 2009 Telstra Business Awards.

The COACH Program, devised by Dr Margarite Vale, is a telephone delivered coaching program to help people with illnesses such as coronary heart disease and diabetes better manage their health and lifestyles.

As the program is based on evidence of how patients have responded in controlled trials, its proven credibility means it can be rolled out in public and private health systems around Australia and overseas.

The win marks the first time in the 17-year history of the prestigious awards that a ‘micro business’ (one with five or fewer staff) has taken out the top prize.

The COACH Program was also named the national winner of the businessowner Micro Business Award. Other winners at the Telstra Business Awards included Edible Blooms from SA, Point Project Management from ACT, Vaxine from SA and R Radford and Sons from Victoria.

Telstra CEO David Thodey said The COACH Program was a great example of an innovative small business playing a fundamental role in Australian society.

“Businesses like The COACH Program and the other state and national finalists capture the powerful entrepreneurial spirit in this country and celebrate the people who form the very foundation of our economy,” Mr Thodey said.

“They are the reason why Telstra continues to support these awards year in and year out.

"These awards are about recognising and rewarding the talent and determination of small businesses and helping them achieve even greater success.”

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said The COACH Program stood out because it had translated the best of clinical research into a real world health delivery environment, with a viable business model and strong institutional demand .”

“The research that has gone into the program is being constantly updated, so patients receiving ‘coaching’ can be confident they are getting advice that is medically proven,” Ms Shiff said.

“Although it is a very small business it has the potential to grow and improve the health of well-being of many thousands of people world-wide with chronic disease,” Ms Shiff said.

Doctor Margarite Vale, the founder and director of COACH, said it gives patients the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to take control of their own health.

“With this program, patients are trained to be the ‘driver’ of the process of achieving and maintaining the target levels for their coronary risk factors while working in association with their usual doctors,” Dr Vale said.

“It means they have a credible, knowledgeable source of information to go to for advice, support, clarification or to just act as a confidential sounding board.

“The coach can offer practical help with issues such as how to change your diet, modify your cooking style, and understand food labels. They can also help you plan ways to exercise to suit your lifestyle, discuss your medication and, if necessary, suggest alternatives to discuss with your doctor.

“It has been a rewarding challenge to translate a program developed from research into a commercial product over the years, but to be recognised as a business by the prestigious Telstra Business Awards provides us with the opportunity to take The COACH Program to another level.”

Other winners at the Telstra Business Awards were:

MYOB Small Business Award: Edible Blooms (South Australia)

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.

Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award: Point Project Management (Canberra)

To support its fast and efficient service offering, this project management consultancy has adopted a ‘mobile office’ policy. Point Project Management has provided every one of its employees with an iPhone™ with full internet, phone and email access to allow them to interact with clients and other members of the team wherever they may be. Founded in Canberra in 2006, Point is a dynamic client-side project management consultancy specialising in building and property. Point has grown to become one of Australia’s largest specialist project management consultancies, with offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. In just three years, Point has grown from one employee and one client to 33 employees and 54 clients. Revenue has grown by an average of 1,870 per cent since the company was founded. Point can also boast a stable employee base with a 95 per cent retention rate.

AMP Innovation Award: Vaxine (South Australia)

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. The company is at the forefront of delivering the first swine flu vaccine and recently signed an $8.5 million five year contract to provide vaccine research and development services to the US government. 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.

Sensis Social Responsibility Award: R Radford and Sons (Warragul, Victoria)

With over 60 years experience in red meat retail, wholesale and abattoir operations, this Victorian business is leading the way in certified organic and ethnically-sensitive meat production. Radfords’ Certified Organic facilities enable conventional producers to convert to organic practices, thereby removing chemicals and residual pollutants from stock feed and stimulating rehabilitation of grazing land. In the early 1980s Radfords identified and successfully developed a number of niche markets otherwise overlooked by many processors. Supply of ‘Greek Lambs’ has extended to similarly culturally driven requirements from other Mediterranean and South East Asian communities. Supply to meet these ethnic or religious observances typically includes offal products that would otherwise be relegated to commodity ingredient markets. Radfords is also leading the way in tackling long-term environmental issues in the industry, recently undertaking an industry-first project to recycle 95 per cent of waste water to potable quality with potential industry-wide annual water savings of over 13 gigalitres.

Editor’s note: Q&A’s with the business owners, the contact details of the business owners and photographs are available on request from Lighthouse Communications Group on 02 9692 8811 or by email: plaidlaw@lighthousecomms.com.au

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

™ iPhone is a trade mark of Apple, Inc.

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Marine manufacturer named Tasmanian Business of the Year

Embargoed: 11pm, 4 August 2009 - A manufacturer of boat anchoring systems that exports to more than 40 countries has won top honours in the 2009 Tasmania Telstra Business Awards.

John Muir's winches and windlasses are sought after by the world's richest super yacht owners - having established a reputation for functional and stylish design.

Muir Engineering was the overall winner of the 17th annual Tasmania Telstra Business Awards announced in Hobart tonight and also took out the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award.

Telstra Country Wide Group Managing Director, Brett Riley, said that founder and Managing Director of Muir Engineering, John Muir, had turned his love of boats into a world-class engineering business.

"As the son of Jock Muir, one of Australia's best yachtsmen and boat builders in the 1940s, sailing was always in John's blood," Mr Riley said.

"But he has turned his passion into a Hobart-based 21st century global export business through research and development, high technology manufacturing, and strategic alliances enabling them to supply equipment to the world's leading boat builders."

Other Tasmanian Telstra Business Award winners announced tonight were Brighton Hardware (businessowner Micro-Business Award), Maria Island Walk (MYOB Small Business Award), braaap Pty Ltd (Sensis Social Responsibility Award) and Healthcare Software Pty Ltd (AMP Innovation Award).

Presenting the Award, Mr Riley said the judges were impressed with the way that Muir had captured the mega yacht market.

"Muir's range of anchoring and mooring systems are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing, giving them entry into the larger European mega-winch markets, such as Germany and The Netherlands where some of the world's finest mega yachts are built," Mr Riley said.

The Telstra Business Award judges said their penetration into global export markets was one of the factors that made Muir Engineering stand out.

"The company's clear focus on exports sees them on track to double the size of the business in the five years from 2006 to 2010," Ms Shiff said.

John Muir said the company has consistently increased and grown export markets for the past decade and intends to continue this trend well into the future.

"As well as warehousing and sales offices in Australia, we also have a very strong distributor network in over 70 countries around the world to overcome our geographical isolation," Mr Muir said.

"We tend to over-engineer our product range which is why we are lucky enough to supply some of the best boat building yards in both Australia and overseas including Austal Ships (Aus), Riviera (Aus), International Marine (Aus), Trinity Yachts (USA), Feadship (Netherlands), Lurssen (Germany) and Sunseeker Yachts (UK)."

A small country hardware store, Brighton Hardware is ‘punching above its weight' and has taken out the businessowner Micro-Business Award having turned a dying business around and established a loyal group of customers in a very competitive market.

Offering guided walks through the pristine Maria Island National Park on Tasmania's east coast, Maria Island Walk has been named the MYOB Small Business Award winner, working hard to remain a leader in environmental and socially responsible tourism and to minimise its footprint on the historic site.

Healthcare Software Pty Ltd has taken out the AMP Innovation Award with their genuinely innovative medication management solutions that are literally saving lives and helping prevent repeated hospital admissions through medication mishaps.

Founded by a 16-year-old with a passion for motorcycles, mini motocross manufacturer and distributor braaap Pty Ltd has taken out the Sensis Social Responsibility Award for its engagement of disenfranchised youth in a controlled professional outlet and its proactively high safety standards in a sport which otherwise has no safety regulations.

Each of the category winners will now be judged against the category winners from other states in the lead up to the national Telstra Business Award to be announced in Sydney on August 20. There is over $400,000 in cash and prizes to be won.

Mr Riley said Telstra was committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed by providing them with business grade tools and guidance for today's challenging and ever-changing environment.

"We reach more small and medium businesses than almost any other organisation and we want them to succeed by providing services and solutions, as well as by working in partnership with them to help their business thrive into the future," Mr Riley said.

"As part of this commitment, each year Telstra invests months of work and millions of dollars to assess the hundreds of entries in the Telstra Business Awards.

"We make such a significant undertaking because we want to work with small and medium businesses to realise their potential and receive the recognition they deserve."

Editor's note: Q&A's with the business owners, contact details of the business owners and pictures are available on request from Lighthouse Communications Group on 02 9692 8811 or by email: plaidlaw@lighthousecomms.com.au

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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World-first heart program wins Victoria Business of the Year

Embargoed: 11pm, 31 July 2009 - The developer of a health program that is saving the lives of heart patients as well as cutting hospital costs has taken top honours in the 17th annual Victoria Telstra Business Awards.

The COACH Program is the world’s only evidence-based coaching program for the prevention of chronic disease. The COACH Program provides coaching over-the-phone to patients with coronary heart disease and other serious illnesses to assist them to achieve the target levels for their risk factors to prevent their disease from progressing.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said The COACH Program was an exciting example of how innovation, research and technology combined to benefit of the community.

"This small Victorian enterprise developed a new research - based approach to manage chronic disease and from that created a commercialised product which has now been adopted as standard care in the public and private health systems across Australia and overseas," Ms Shiff said.

"In creating their own success they have also improved the lives of thousands of people with coronary heart disease or other related chronic diseases. COACH has also eased demands on the health system by reducing the need for hospitalisation by as much as 20 per cent."

The COACH Program won three of the six Victoria Telstra Business Awards announced tonight, taking out the businessowner Micro-Business Award and the AMP Innovation Award as well as the top honour.

Other Victoria Telstra Business Award winners announced tonight were Live In Australia.com (MYOB Small Business Award), Revolution IT (Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award), and R.Radford & Sons (Sensis Social Responsibility Award).

Presenting the Award, Ms Shiff said the judges were impressed with The COACH Program's transition from what started as a good research project through to a very successful commercial operation.

"The company's unique business model means that organisations deliver the program using their own staff, substantially reducing the cost of delivering the program and allowing COACH to expand its services much more quickly than if it had to set up the infrastructure and employ and manage the coaches itself," Ms Shiff said.

Founder of the COACH Program, Dr Margarite Vale said it had been extremely rewarding journey.

"Translating evidence-based research into clinical practice and having The COACH Program rolled out very successfully in all Australian states in the public health sector, six private health funds and expanding into Europe has been our greatest achievement," Dr Vale said.

The program is delivered over the telephone and supported by personalised written information enabling virtually 100 percent of chronic disease survivors to be targeted.

"We developed the program to bridge the gap in management of cardiovascular disease, between evidence-based treatment and usual care, by assisting people to take up the drug treatments, diet and other lifestyle measures indicated by research and other evidence," Dr Vale said.

Named the MYOB Small Business Award winner for Victoria, Live In Australia.com is revolutionising the immigration market through its world leading website, assisting thousands of foreign citizens and their loved ones realise a dream of migrating to Australia.

One of the fastest growing companies for the past five years and a leading provider of software testing and application quality management solutions, Revolution IT, has taken out the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award. Revolution IT has a strong growth program and management processes, a solid team and is successfully leveraging strategic alliances with significant stakeholders.

Victoria red meat retail, wholesale and abattoir operator R. Radford & Sons has taken out the Sensis Social Responsibility Award for its commitment to sustainable business practices including water recycling, revegetation, waste control, animal husbandry and energy reduction.

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Online tourism company named Queensland Business of the Year

29 July 2009 - A Cairns company that created an automated online tour booking website has taken out top honours in the 2009 Queensland Telstra Business Awards.

Tourstogo.com, which provides online booking services to domestic and international clients and features over 2,500 touring products, was announced as the overall winner of the 17th annual Queensland Telstra Business Awards in Brisbane last night.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said the judges were impressed with the sheer simplicity of the website.

"Tourstogo.com has found a niche in the globally competitive online tourism sector by automating the site's key functions which helps ensure it's constantly updated," Ms Shiff said.

"Consumers no longer have to search multiple websites or visit travel agents to obtain colour brochures that are almost out of date with regard to prices when they hit the shelves."

Tourstogo.com also took out the businessowner Micro-Business Award category. Other Queensland Telstra Business Award winners announced tonight were Aspire Retire (MYOB Small Business Award), Trilby Misso Lawyers (Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award), Natural Resource Assessments Pty Ltd (Sensis Social Responsibility Award) and Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd (AMP Innovation Award).

Founder of Tourstogo.com, Elise Warring said the initial strong emphasis on development paid off.

"The online environment is an ever changing landscape with new developments continually emerging and altering the scope of future objectives.

"Tourstogo.com recognises the need for flexible forward thinking and aims to continue providing customers with a stable platform and a technologically superior product," Ms Warring said.

Pioneering financial planning on a fee-for-service basis in 2003, independent financial services company, Aspire Retire, has been named the MYOB Small Business Award winner for Queensland. In an industry where consumer complaints are on the rise, their no-commission business model has proven to deliver consistent growth, irrespective of the state of the economy.

As the Queensland Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award winner, Trilby Misso Lawyers is a leader in delivering just compensation to the victims of injury and wrongdoing and, with strong working relationships with insurers and WorkCover, it is able to settle claims in one third less time than any of its peers.

Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd has taken out the AMP Innovation Award with their world first technology for water and wastewater treatment. The company invests heavily in its own research and development and has enormous potential for growth.

Natural Resource Assessments Pty Ltd has taken out the Sensis Social Responsibility Award for its ground breaking work to put environmental issues on the agenda, long before it became popular to do so.

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Project management consultancy named ACT Business of the Year

Embargoed: 10pm, 24 July 2009 - A Canberra firm overseeing some of the region's biggest construction projects that has also shown its heart by helping community causes has been named the 2009 ACT Telstra Business of the Year.

Point Project Management scooped the prizes at the 17th annual Australian Capital Territory Telstra Business Awards announced in Canberra tonight.

The project management consultancy, specialising in building and property across Australia, recently won the tender to manage the Qantas Multi Use International Terminal at the newly renovated Canberra International Airport

Judges were equally impressed by the firm's community minded attitude - having raised nearly $100,000 to help an employee receive treatment for cancer.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said Point Project Management was a vibrant, well-organised, visionary business whose core strengths would assure the company continued growth.

"Now one of the largest specialist project management consultancies in Australia, Point has experienced exceptional growth with employee numbers growing from one to 33 and clients growing from one to 54 in the three years since the company's foundation," Ms Shiff said.

The company, which also holds contracts with the National Capital Authority and Belconnen Labor Club, dominated this year's awards, also taking out the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award and the Sensis Social Responsibility Award. Other ACT Telstra Business Award winners announced tonight were Succeed Personal Development (businessowner Micro-Business Award) and PSI Asia Pacific (MYOB Small Business Award).

Presenting the award, Ms Shiff said one of the factors which made Point stand out was its focus on social responsibility, both within their organisation and externally.

"Boasting a 95 per cent employee retention rate, Point has made a very deliberate commitment to become a workplace of choice, where staff welfare is paramount," Ms Shiff said.

"The company raised nearly $100,000 to support a young employee and his family when he was diagnosed with lymphoma."

Michael Snare, joint Principal of Point, said that he and his business partner, Brendan Bilston, recognise that providing a great working environment is not just good for employees, but it also makes great business sense.

"Point's values are all about providing a holistic approach to work and life; offering more to our staff than just a job. In return we receive great loyalty which ultimately translates into a high quality service to our customers," Mr Snare said.

"We believe that if we invest the normal costs of recruiting employees into our existing staff, we are more likely to be able to retain our staff and provide a happy place to work."

Voted by their peers as Australia's best personal training business in 2008, Succeed Personal Development can now add the winner of the 2009 ACT businessowner Micro-Business Award to its list of accolades. Succeed's high client satisfaction coupled with its innovative incentive-based remuneration schemes for its trainers has seen it live up to its name in the highly competitive world of personal fitness.

Procurement support company, PSI Asia Pacific has stood the test of time in a difficult market to be named the MYOB Small Business Award winner for ACT. PSI is continuously adapting its service offering to match the changing requirements of its clients.

Ms Shiff said Telstra was committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed by providing them with business grade tools and guidance for today's challenging and ever-changing environment.

"As part of this commitment, each year Telstra invests months of work and millions of dollars to assess the hundreds of entries in the Telstra Business Awards.

"We make such a significant undertaking because we want to work with small and medium businesses to realise their potential and receive the recognition they deserve."

Radio News Editor's note: Broadcast quality radio grabs will be distributed to newsrooms on Friday night via YouSendIt file from Lighthouse Communications Group

Print News Editor's note: Q&A's with the business owners, contact details of the business owners and pictures are available on request from Lighthouse Communications Group on 02 9692 8811 or by email: lhaegg@lighthousecomms.com.au

Media contact:
Chris Newlan
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0407 881 139

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Sydney textile company named NSW Business of the Year

22 July 2009 - A Sydney textile manufacturer who's gone against the tide of shifting operations offshore has won the 2009 New South Wales Telstra Business Award.

Publisher Textiles, a strong Australian brand offering local hand made, high-quality, competitive designs was the overall winner of the 17th annual New South Wales Telstra Business Awards announced in Sydney last night.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said that Publisher Textiles was an excellent example of how a niche business could succeed.

"Publisher is thriving despite the unpredictable nature of the fashion market and are fast developing a name for themselves," Ms Shiff said.

Publisher Textiles also took out the businessowner Micro-Business Award category. Other NSW Telstra Business Award winners announced tonight were Unimail Pty Ltd (MYOB Small Business Award), Financial Management Solutions (Sensis Social Responsibility Award) and Kimberley Kampers who won both the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award and the AMP Innovation Award.

Presenting the Award, Ms Shiff said the judges were impressed with the diversity in the company's unique product range, and the creativity of the designers.

"Understanding the needs of their clients means that Publisher not only offers an exciting range of designs and textile products, they also develop customised artwork to be created into signature fabrics or wall coverings," Ms Shiff said.

"Publisher has also received recognition for their bespoke wallpapers created for Sydney Bar, Ruby Rabbit, and Neil Perry's Rockpool restaurant".

Joint founder of Publisher Textiles, Rhynie Cawood said the business started small and direct, from a rented corner in a friend's factory. Together with her partner, Mark Cawood, the pair created original printed fabrics and garments during the week and sold them at Sydney market stalls over the weekend. Commissions from Sydney designers Akira Isagowa and Nicola Finetti soon followed.

"Because of our extensive experience and knowledge of the production, together with a desire to create, it became obvious to us that we would someday start our own textile and wallpaper print studio," Ms Cawood said.

"No one could understand why we would get into something so obscure and niche, but if we wanted to have our designs sustainably produced to a high quality we knew we would have to do it ourselves."

Sydney-based graduate recruitment firm, Unimail Pty Ltd has been named the MYOB Small Business Award winner for NSW. With its in-depth knowledge of the technologically savvy and constantly evolving student market, Unimail is strongly branded with its annual jobs directory and a variety of innovative recruitment strategies. The business boasts the largest number of advertisers with the strongest client retention in the industry.

Kimberley Kampers manufactures, markets and distributes off road recreational vehicles and has taken out both the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award and the AMP Innovation Award. Their innovation flows all the way from design, through to their supply chain and distribution network. Modelled on the successful Eurpoean H&M clothing chain, Kimberley Kampers follows a design-led supply chain strategy which is key to their success. Based in Ballina, Kimberley Kampers is demonstrating that quality manufacturing can thrive in regional centres.

Financial planning firm Financial Management Solutions (FMS) has taken out the Sensis Social Responsibility Award for its incredibly strong support of local and NSW-based charities, through both financial support and sharing their time and skills. Not only does FMS provide labour for planning, marketing and fundraising for charity events, but they work with charities to give them the skills to become more independent and organised in their fundraising activities.

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Tasmanian business award finalists lead the way in customer service

20 July 2009 - Leading small and medium businesses, today named as finalists for the 2009 Tasmanian Telstra Business Award, are demonstrating the invaluable role that customer service plays in the ongoing success of small and medium business enterprises.

Twelve Tasmanian businesses - which range from a country hardware store to adventure tourism in the spectacular Freycinet National Park - were announced today as finalists across five categories in Australia’s largest and most prestigious small business awards program.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said while the finalists from Tasmania operate in a diverse range of industries and vastly different scales, many of this year’s finalists have no formal business training but are succeeding through an unwavering focus on outstanding customer service.

"For 17 years, the Telstra Business awards have applauded and inspired the strength and spirit of Australia’s entrepreneurs as part of Telstra’s support for the engine room of the economy," Ms Shiff said.

"As economic conditions get more difficult, the role of these awards couldn’t be more important. And the Tasmanian finalists are rising to the challenge by focusing on delivering what their customers want."

According to Mark Cooper, owner of Cooper Automotive, outstanding customer service is what sets them apart from their competition, delivering "quality repairs, friendly service, honesty, value for money and convenience".

"We guarantee to service and repair your car right the first time or it’s free until we do, and we back it up with our 12 months/20,000km warranty on all repairs," Mr Cooper said.

For Brighton Hardware owner, Paul Diaz, his own renovation experience has been invaluable in guiding his customers on what they need to complete their own renovations.

"What makes our business unique is our customer service and willingness to help with their problems," Mr Diaz said. "We’ve developed a reputation as problem solvers."

The owner of Woofers Dog Grooming and Boutique, Angela Lawler, takes a similar approach.

"The reason people are successful in business is not just because of the product they sell, but how they sell it - the customer service experience is paramount," she said.

Ms Shiff said each finalist has undergone a rigorous self-assessment process with their plans and processes assessed by a panel of independent judges. The judging panel has also visited the site of each of the finalists and obtained verification of financial data.

The winners of the Tasmanian awards will be announced on August 4, and the winners of each category will proceed to the national awards to be announced in Sydney on August 20. There is over $400,000 in cash and prizes to be won.

Tasmanian finalists in the 2009 Telstra Business Awards are:

Businessowner Micro-Business Award	Woofers Dog Grooming and Boutique	Pet care/Retailing	Midway Pt
	Brighton Hardware	Retailing	Brighton
	Playtas	Recreation	Blackstone Heights
	Grindelwald Kennels & Cattery	Pet care	Legana
	Woodbridge Smokehouse	Food & beverage	Woodbridge
MYOB Small Business Award	Freycinet Adventures	Tourism	Coles Bay
	braaap pty ltd	Sport/Retailing/Manufacturing	Launceston
	The Maria Island Walk	Tourism	Hobart
	The Travel Studio	Tourism	Battery Point
	HealthCare Software Pty Ltd	Information Technology/ Healthcare	Hobart
Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award	Cooper Automotive	Automotive	Moonah
	Muir Engineering Pty Ltd	Manufacturing	Kingston
Sensis Social Responsibility Award	braaap pty ltd	Sport/Retailing/Manufacturing	Launceston
	The Maria Island Walk	Tourism	Hobart
	Muir Engineering Pty Ltd	Manufacturing	Kingston
AMP Innovation Award	braaap pty ltd	Sport/Retailing/Manufacturing	Launceston
	Muir Engineering Pty Ltd	Manufacturing	Kingston
	HealthCare Software Pty Ltd	Information Technology/ Healthcare	Hobart

Ms Shiff said Telstra Business was committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed by providing them with business grade tools and guidance for today’s challenging and ever-changing environment.

"We touch more small and medium businesses than almost any other organisation and we want them to succeed not only by providing services and solutions, but also by working in partnership with them to help their business thrive into the future," Ms Shiff said.

"As part of this commitment, each year Telstra invests months of work and millions of dollars to assess the hundreds of entries in the Telstra Business Awards.

"We make such a significant undertaking because we want to work with small and medium businesses to help them realise their potential and receive the recognition they deserve."

Editor’s note: A Q&A with the business owner is attached. Contact details of the business owner and pictures are available on request from Lighthouse Communications Group on 02 9692 8811 or by email: plaidlaw@lighthousecomms.com.au

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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No normal bouquet for SA Business of the Year

17 July 2009 - A company that has taken on traditional florists by making home-delivered bouquets from delicious edible treats has been named the winner of the 2009 South Australian Telstra Business Award.

Online retailer Edible Blooms, which creates bouquets from gourmet chocolates, home-baked cookies and fresh fruit, was announced as the SA winner of Australia's most prestigious small business award program in Adelaide last night.

Edible Blooms also took out the MYOB Small Business Award category. Other South Australian Telstra Business Award winners announced tonight were The Trademan (businessowner Micro-Business Award), Solar Shop Australia (Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award), Clarke and Associates Veterinary Practice (Sensis Social Responsibility Award) and Vaxine which took out the AMP Innovation Award.

Telstra Business Executive Director, Steve McAllister, said in just four years Edible Blooms had revolutionised the gift market, giving it a unique twist and achieving remarkable success.

"Edible Blooms has taken a simple concept and run with it, creating a successful business with a huge following because of the easy online access, speedy delivery and the ‘wow' factor the blooms provide upon arrival," Mr McAllister said.

"For 17 years, the Telstra Business Awards have applauded and inspired the strength and spirit of Australia's entrepreneurs as part of Telstra's support for the engine room of the economy.

"Edible Blooms is an excellent example of what can be achieved by applying new technology and ideas through vision, determination, courage and hard work."

The business was founded by Kelly Baker in 2005 with a starting range of just nine products. Today, Edible Blooms has four store locations across Australia, 15 full time employees and rank as the 13th most visited flower and gift website in Australia.

Presenting the Award, Mr McAllister said the judges were impressed not only with the company's brilliant marketing of such a high quality product, but their great leadership and A-grade team.

Ms Baker strongly believes that "if you find someone who is the right fit and keen to learn, the skills will soon follow and you will have a tight-functioning team".

"We now actively recruit around our brand values, focusing more on people than skills and then developing these through training," Ms Baker said.

The Telstra Business Award judges said one of the factors which made Edible Blooms stand out was the large and clean database Edible Blooms maintains, given its vital importance for an online retail business.

"Our marketing strategy focuses on building and maintaining a significant customer database which has now grown to more than 50,000 individuals and corporate clients with whom we communicate fortnightly, enabling them to see new product designs and giving them dollar incentives to purchase," Ms Baker said.

Taking out the Telstra businessowner Micro-Business Award, Port Adelaide-based exterior home improvement supplier The Trademan, is succeeding in a saturated and highly competitive market with its professional no-nonsense approach and comprehensive customer relations management. The Trademan has aggressive plans to franchise the business across Australia.

Named the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award Winner for SA, Solar Shop Australia has shown solid and sustained growth in the past decade since its foundation, and boasts incredibly strong business management, sales and marketing operations. From its base in Adelaide, SSA has expanded its operations to service most of the country.

Small Adelaide-based vaccine research and development business, Vaxine, has taken out the AMP Innovation Award based on their unparalleled success, outperforming their large pharmaceutical competitors with their innovative products and funding approach. Vaxine has taken four Australian developed vaccines into human trials in just four years, without the support of a large partner.

Mt Gambier-based Clarke and Associates Veterinary Practice has taken out the Sensis Social Responsibility Award with its practice combining highly professional business management with an extensive pro bono wildlife rescue service throughout the south east of SA. With a great profile within the rural community and a highly motivated team committed to premium customer service, Clarke and Associates has become a clinic where clients have come to view the staff as their friends.

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Queensland businesses building strong innovation reputations

16 July 2009 - Leading small and medium businesses, today named as finalists for the 2009 Queensland Telstra Business Award, are helping build Queensland’s reputation as the innovation hub of Australia.

Eighteen Queensland businesses - whose businesses vary from financial services to an innovative life-saving horse riding stirrup - were announced today as finalists across five categories in Australia’s largest and most prestigious small business awards program.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said while the finalists from Queensland operate in a diverse range of industries and vastly different scales, many of this year’s finalists are breaking new ground with their world leading innovations and demonstrating Queensland really is the "Smart State".

"As economic conditions get more difficult, the role of these awards couldn’t be more important in highlighting what can be achieved. And the Queensland finalists are tangible proof of what’s possible with innovation and hard work."

From Australian Innovative Systems’ new technologies revolutionising water treatment, to HiFlow Industries’ use of communications technology to overhaul building management, Queensland businesses are showing the rest of Australia how to bring new innovations to market.

They are also developing innovative new ways to marry the old and the new - from Carbon Media Events putting indigenous culture into the digital economy; Envirosax’s unique mix of environmental savvy and fashion; and ChinaDirect Sourcing giving businesses of all sizes access to factories in China to manufacture their goods.

When urban vegetation management company, Technigro couldn’t find purpose-designed equipment suited to the urban environment, they developed their own unique DriftProofã range.

"Our DriftProof Sprayer received such an amazing response that it made it possible for us to go on to establish our own government recognised research and development facility; an initiative that has since produced a number of other key innovations and set new industry best practice standards," Technigro CEO Nick Bloor said.

CEO of SmartRider, Peter Zillmer, is proud that the company’s breakaway safety stirrup is designed, developed and manufactured "right here in Queensland" and that it is literally saving lives.

"With our innovative, unique products we can promote not just Coolum on the Sunshine Coast, but showcase Queensland and Australia as being world class leaders within this industry in our commitment to saving lives," Mr Zillmer said.

The founders of Ritek Building Solutions recognised that there was enormous scope for improvement in building industry practices.

"Through innovation and ongoing product development, Ritek has built a local company into an organisation with internationally recognised intellectual property and value that is starting to deliver its technology to the world," CEO, Gayne Emblin, said.

The winners of the Queensland awards will be announced on July 28, and the winners of each category will proceed to the national awards to be announced in Sydney on August 20. There is over $400,000 in cash and prizes to be won.

Queensland finalists in the 2009 Telstra Business Awards are:

Businessowner Micro-Business Award	Complete Performance Solutions	Health & fitness	East Brisbane
	Nose 2 Tail Pet Care	Pet care/Retailing	Oxley
	OnGuard Safety Training Pty Ltd	Education & training	Elanora
	SmartRider Pty Ltd	Retailing	Coolum Beach
	Tourstogo.com	Tourism	Bungalow
MYOB Small Business Award	Aspire Retire Financial Services	Financial services	Woolloongabba
	ChinaDirect Sourcing	Importing	East Brisbane
	Envirosax Pty Ltd	Retailing	West Burleigh
	Hiflow Industries Pty Ltd	Air conditioning & mechanical services	Geebung
	Shieldcoat Pty Ltd	Retailing	Archerfield
Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award	McInnes Wilson Lawyers	Professional services	Brisbane
	Ritek Building Solutions	Manufacturing	Cooroy
	Technigro Pty Ltd	Vegetation management	Andrews
	Trilby Misso Lawyers Limited	Professional services	Brisbane
	Urban Art Projects	Art design	Brisbane
Sensis Social Responsibility Award	Envirosax Pty Ltd	Retailing	West Burleigh
	Hiflow Industries Pty Ltd	Air conditioning & mechanical services	Geebung
	Natural Resource Assessments Pty Ltd (Trading as NRA Environmental Consultants)	Environmental management	Cairns
	Nose 2 Tail Pet Care	Pet care/Retailing	Oxley
	Ritek Building Solutions		Cooroy
AMP Innovation Award	Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd	Manufacturing	Tingalpa
	Carbon Media Events Pty Ltd	Media	Kelvin Grove
	ChinaDirect Sourcing	Importing	East Brisbane
	Envirosax Pty Ltd	Retailing	West Burleigh
	Technigro Pty Ltd	Vegetation management	Andrews

"As part of this commitment, each year Telstra invests months of work and millions of dollars to assess the hundreds of entries in the Telstra Business Awards.

"We make such a significant undertaking because we want to work with small and medium businesses to help them realise their potential and receive the recognition they deserve."

Editor’s note: A Q&A written with the business owner, contact details of the business owner and pictures are available on request from Lighthouse Communications Group on 02 9692 8811 or by email: plaidlaw@lighthousecomms.com.au

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Boutique coffee roaster named WA Business of the Year

Embargoed: 11pm, 14 July 2009 - By turning the humble coffee bean into a tourism drawcard, a boutique coffee roaster has taken out the top honour in the 2009 Western Australia Telstra Business Awards.

Telstra Business Executive Director, Steve McAllister, said Yahava KoffeeWorks was proof that taking something simple and doing it better than anyone else is a recipe for success.

"Yahava has built a manufacturing, wholesale, distribution and retailing business putting its coffee on the map alongside the great wineries in the Margaret River region," Mr McAllister said.

"With an eye on creating customer loyalty, they have turned buying coffee into an experience like no other."

Yahava KoffeeWorks, was the overall winner of the 17th annual Western Australia Telstra Business Awards announced in Perth tonight.

The firm also took out the MYOB Small Business Award category. Other Award winners announced tonight were Loose Goose Chalets of Nannup (businessowner Micro-Business Award), Perth-based Lavan Legal (Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award), Addwealth Pty Ltd of Cottesloe (Sensis Social Responsibility Award) and Tim McCartney-Snape's Sea to Summit adventure retailing business which took out the AMP Innovation Award.

Presenting the winner's prize, Mr McAllister said the judges were impressed with Yahava's aggressive expansion strategy which included plans for new outlets in specialty food and wine regions in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

The business was founded by Alex Kok, who grew up amid the café culture of Amsterdam and saw how sharing coffee was central to many social gatherings. After years of experience in the hospitality industry, his interest in coffee turned from a hobby into a full-time business.

"All the old maxims hold true," Mr Kok said. "Attention to detail, keep your promises, be different, build a strong team, establish strong relationships with customers and suppliers, and have a clear vision."

Taking out the Telstra businessowner Micro-Business Award (for businesses with no more than five staff), Loose Goose Chalets owners Laraine and Grant Raynel identified a gap in the tourism market for disabled-friendly holiday accommodation and set out to fill it. Since revamping their property and focusing on providing excellent customer service, this thriving husband and wife business has tripled occupancy rates.

Named the WA Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award winner, Lavan Legal has used innovative marketing and staff retention strategies to become successfully established in the Perth legal scene.

Well-known mountaineer Tim McCartney-Snape received the AMP Innovation Award as joint CEO of Sea to Summit - a fast growing outdoor adventure equipment company.

Financial planning firm Addwealth took out the Sensis Social Responsibility Award, with 25 per cent of its team engaged in leading and managing social responsibility activities.

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Remote pharmacy named NT Business of the Year

Embargoed: 10pm, 9 July 2009 - A small business bridging the divide between indigenous and western culture in one of Australia’s most remote communities is the winner of the 2009 Northern Territory Telstra Business Award.

Gove Pharmacy, servicing the remote community of Nhulunbuy in the East Arnhem region 1,000 kilometres from Darwin, was announced as the NT winner of Australia’s most prestigious small business award program in Darwin last night.

Gove Pharmacy also took out the MYOB Small Business Award, while Crowne Plaza Alice Springs won both the Sensis Social Responsibility Award and the AMP Innovation Award.

Telstra Country Wide Group Managing Director, Brett Riley, said since being taken over by Darryl Stewart and his family in 2005, Gove Pharmacy had become not only a vital part of the local community but also the source of essential medicines and professional services for the region’s Aboriginal Health Centres.

"Gove Pharmacy is proving that distance is no barrier to first-class customer service, building long-term relationships with local residents based on affordable healthcare which meets their needs," Mr Riley said.

"For 17 years, the Telstra Business Awards have applauded and inspired the strength and spirit of Australia’s entrepreneurs as part of Telstra’s support for the engine room of the economy.

"Gove Pharmacy is an excellent example of what can be achieved with vision, determination and hard work, and demonstrates the positive impact small businesses can have on the community."

Starting out in 2005 by refurbishing the store, expanding the product range and revising pricing, Gove Pharmacy has built a loyal customer base by offering value for money and stocking ranges customers want and offering good customer service.

Driven by a commitment to improving indigenous health, the pharmacy is also improving access to PBS medicines and professional services for local Aboriginal Health Centres, reducing the reliance on suppliers from Darwin.

Presenting the award, Mr Riley said the judges were impressed with the owner’s passion for his business which is succeeding despite inherent difficulties through a combination of thoughtful planning and good management.

Gove Pharmacy’s owner Darryl Stewart said operating a pharmacy in a remote region had been a challenge.

"Airfares, accommodation, cost of living, freight and wages are all considerably higher in our region and add to the cost of doing business," Mr Stewart said.

"Living in a remote region we rely heavily on internet-based technology for communication with customers and suppliers and it is the easiest way to keep our staff up to date with training. We are currently working to link remote health professionals and are rolling out e-learning resources to supplement our education program for remote clinics."

The Telstra Business Award judges said one of the factors which made Gove Pharmacy stand out was its inclusive approach to both staff and indigenous people.
Mr Stewart said the business has gone to great efforts to respect the indigenous culture of the region.

"Our success is based on our devotion to indigenous health and a passion for providing indigenous health clinics with products and services," he said.

"We have designed a cultural induction for our new non-indigenous staff members that we employ to give them an opportunity to gain respect of their culture and help create a workplace that encourages indigenous employment.

"We have recently become involved in indigenous employment, mentoring and training and have written an indigenous employment and training manual. I see our business being an industry leader in indigenous health and attracting more interest for research, rural pharmacy and student placements."

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs’ innovative approach to sustainability - which saw the hotel cut its carbon footprint by 420 tonnes - has seen it take out the other two awards presented - the Sensis Social Responsibility Award and the AMP Innovation Award.

Through its work and investment, the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs is now generating up to 80 per cent of its total power requirements through its 1326 panel roof-mounted solar system, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Both winners will now be judged against the category winners from other states in the lead up to the national Telstra Business Award to be announced in Sydney on August 20. There is over $400,000 in cash and prizes to be won.

Mr Riley said Telstra Business was committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed by providing them with business grade tools and guidance for today’s challenging and ever-changing environment.

"We touch more small and medium businesses than almost any other organisation and we want them to succeed not only by providing services and solutions, by also by working in partnership with them to help their business thrive into the future," Mr Riley said.

"As part of this commitment, each year Telstra invests months of work and millions of dollars to assess the hundreds of entries in the Telstra Business Awards.

"We make such a significant undertaking because we want to work with small and medium businesses to realise their potential and receive the recognition they deserve."

Editor’s note: Q&A’s with the business owners, contact details of the business owners and pictures are available on request from Lighthouse Communications Group on 02 9692 8811 or by email: plaidlaw@lighthousecomms.com.au

Media contact:
Peter Laidlaw
Lighthouse Communications Group
02 9692 8811 or 0419 210 306

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Businesses urged to seize award winning opportunity

2 Mar, 2009

Nominations and entries are now open in the 2009 Telstra Business Awards, which have recognised the achievements of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country since 1992.

Telstra is expecting strong interest in the awards this year, with tougher economic conditions encouraging more to look for ways to grow and promote their businesses.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said the awards were a good opportunity to develop better ‘survivor skills’.

“Marketing and promotion are crucial to surviving the hard times and the Telstra Business Awards give small and medium companies the chance to really stand out, with Telstra and our supporting sponsors picking up the costs,” Ms Shiff said.

“But you don’t have to win to benefit. Entering the awards gives businesses the chance to take a closer look at their operations and where they want to take it. The judging process also offers some coaching and advice, so it’s an excellent business planning process.”

Last year’s national winner, Machinery Automation and Robotics’ (MAR) founder Clyde Campbell said his win had brought more customers through the door.

“The benefits in business networking opportunities, exposure and learning from the competition and judges to improve your business are immeasurable. Winning the title of Telstra Australian Business of the Year is much more valuable than the prizes. The Awards entry process is a value in itself.”

“It gives you the confidence to know that we can not only do the job, but have also been recognised by others as being more than capable of delivering. In the economic downturn with a lack of consumer confidence, that is an extremely important thing to have.

Mr Campbell agreed it was a great business planning process and recommends involving the entire team in the process.

“Think about the benefit of completing the submission. It’s really about the journey, about what you learn about yourself, your business and the business environment. And of course, it’s great to celebrate your team’s hard work and to celebrate your achievements with your team, especially in this time when businesses have seen the most significant downturn in some time.”

Businesses will be judged on a range of criteria including growth, customers, people, innovation and financials, and Award winners will share in up to $400,000 in cash and prizes.

In 2009, there are five award categories. Businesses will enter one of three qualifying categories, based on the size of their business:

businessowner Micro-Business Award - For businesses with five employees or fewer.
MYOB Small Business Award - For businesses with more than five employees, but less than or equal to 20 employees.
Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award - For businesses with more than 20 employees, but less than or equal to 200 employees.

All entrants will also be considered for the following two specialist awards:

AMP Innovation Award - For businesses that have successfully introduced an innovation.
Sensis Social Responsibility Award - For demonstrated leadership and contribution by a business to the environment, people, education or the community.

Category Awards are offered in each state and territory, and an overall state/territory winner is selected from the category winners. These overall state/territory winners then become eligible to win the 2009 Telstra Australian Business of the Year, which will be announced at the national final in Sydney in August.

To nominate your business or your favourite business click here or call 1800 262 323 during business hours from Monday 2 March 2009. Nominations and entries for the Telstra Business Awards are open to all eligible businesses with between 1 and 200 employees.

Telstra media contact:
Martin Barr
0418 101 127

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