Brilliant businesses building momentum in ACT named as Awards finalists

Brilliant businesses feeding a resurgence in the ACT’s home building and construction industries are among the 18 finalists in the 2014 Telstra ACT Australian Business Awards.

The experience and skills of the finalists are as diverse as the industries they represent, with businesses coming from sectors including design and landscaping, sustainable housing, digital security, health and fitness, handcrafts, hair and beauty, and consulting.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Will Irving, said the breadth and calibre of the 18 ACT Awards finalists was a positive sign for the Territory’s economy.

“It’s fantastic to see finalists from across the ACT representing such varied industries. These brilliant ACT businesses are at the heart of our community and the backbone of the Australian economy.

“The Telstra Business Awards recognise the brilliance of Australian businesses and help them reflect on their strategies, goals and how they can achieve a better future, but they also inspire their communities by highlighting the hard work and creative force that go into keeping a small business running, fulfilling business owners’ passions and dreams,” Mr Irving said.

Bruceworks’ Bruce Cross recognised a gap in the quality of Canberra’s house remodeling and landscaping industry and now employs 18 staff, offering design and construction services for home renovators including swimming pools, spas, decks and pergolas.

Peter McCoullough took 35 years’ experience in building and real estate and joined with son Brendan to establish custom residential design and construction business Today’s Homes, while a lack of local energy efficient window and door options prompted Karen Porter to establish Solace Creations.

Civil construction specialist Troy Davey’s multi-million dollar construction and equipment hire business Capital Civil Contractors PTY LTD is among this years’ finalists, alongside construction design and project management business Barmco Mana Partnership which was launched in 1999.

Cogito Group’s Richard Brown saw an under investment in digital encryption technology while working for the Department of Defence which prompted him to start his Hawker-based digital security business, specialising in public key infrastructure to prevent illegal online information access.

Other finalists include Bronnie and Craig Bath’s health and fitness studio Synergy Self Defence & Fitness, hairdressing, massage and beauty specialists Antique Salon, and retailer Handmade Canberra which attracts 85,000 shoppers a year with handcrafts from up to 220 designers.

Canberra’s consultancy sector is well-represented among the finalists with government and industry consultancy Paladin Risk Management Service, management consultants Interaction Consulting Group, and government accounting and consulting services Synergy Group Australia Pty Ltd.

More than $800,000 in prizes is available for winners of the 2014 state, territory and national Telstra Business Awards - a program that has celebrated brilliant Australian small and medium businesses since 1992.

The finalists for the 2014 Telstra ACT Australian Business Awards are:

Start-Up Award

Micro Business Award

Small Business Award

Medium Business Award

Winners of the Telstra ACT Business Awards will be announced at QT Canberra on Friday 4 July 2014. They will proceed to the national Awards in Melbourne on 7 August.
Awards information and tickets for the Awards Gala Dinners can be purchased by visiting telstrabusinessawards.com or by calling 1800AWARDS between 9am and 7pm AEST Monday to Friday.