Security & Technology Services, a fast-expanding provider of security and fire detection equipment for major Territory projects, has been named the 2012 Telstra Northern Territory Business of the Year.

Security & Technology Services, which also won the Commonwealth Bank Medium Business Award, was joined by Darwin’s The Chiropractic Place, the Alice Pool and Spa Centre from Alice Springs, Parap’s Saffrron Restaurant and Coomalie Air Maintenance Pty Ltd of Batchelor as winners of the 2012 Telstra Northern Territory Business Awards.

Established in 2004 to meet growing demand for specialist security advice and technical capabilities, Security & Technology Services supplies, installs and maintains security and fire detection equipment including CCTV, intercoms, intruder alarms and access control systems.

Growing from a solo operation, the business now employs more than 60 staff in Darwin and has offices in Alice Springs, Broome, Katherine and Adelaide. It has successfully delivered high profile projects such as the high tech wireless camera installations for the NT Police and state of the art command and control systems for the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.

The business has a strong focus on training and has employed 12 apprentices since its launch with Managing Director Greg Ireland saying: “The personal development of our staff  has been paramount to our business accomplishments.”

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Will Irving, said Security & Technology Services had many attributes that made it a stand-out among the 12 finalists in 2012.

“Judges were particularly impressed with the strong financial growth and turnover of the business and its customised service offering underpinned by innovation, alliances and key partnerships. They praised the rigour in its business systems and management’s ongoing investment in development and staff mentoring to build individual and organisational capabilities,” Mr Irving said.

The Telstra Australian Business Awards were launched in 1992 to recognise the achievements of small and medium businesses and to encourage strategic planning for business growth.  

“I’m pleased to see that each year we uncover exceptional small and medium businesses, such as Security & Technology Services and I encourage all Territorians to nominate businesses now for the 2013 Awards,” he said.

Matt Comyn, Executive General Manager of Local Business Banking, Commonwealth Bank, said: “Small and medium businesses are fundamental to the overall strength of our economy and these awards reflect the diversity and breadth of entrepreneurial talent which exists in Australia. One key characteristic evident among all finalists was their ability to adapt to the ever-changing business landscape and find new ways to drive their business forward. Security & Technology Services in particular demonstrated a commitment to innovation and success and this Award is testament to that.”

The winners of the 2012 Telstra Northern Territory Business Awards announced in Darwin are:

Telstra Northern Territory Business of the Year

HTC Start Up Award

Jacob Brady and Leandra Walker opened The Chiropractic Place in February 2011 integrating traditional chiropractic elements with neurology, health and lifestyle advice to treat injuries and nurture disease prevention. Judges said the business was a new operation well advanced in its planning, showed great use emarketing concepts and was beautifully presented.

News Ltd Micro Business Award

Darren Burton bought an Alice Springs pool shop and overhauled the business, purchasing new premises, growing his knowledge of the industry and sales figures, and becoming one of the Territory’s largest stockists and suppliers of pool and spa equipment. Judges said the business has a strong, well-communicated vision, was well organised and has an outstanding use of database, customer segmentation and technology.
 
MYOB Small Business Award

Chef Selvam Kandasamy opened Saffrron Restaurant to create an eatery with a minimal environmental footprint while offering healthy flavoursome meals reflecting his childhood in India and fresh local ingredients such as wild barramundi. Judges said the business operated in a competitive environment with sustainable principle, strong e-marketing to customers and good plans for the future.

Commonwealth Bank Medium Business Award

Regional Award

In 2008 Geoff Morton leased a hangar at a Batchelor airstrip to service small fixed wing aircraft – his business has grown to a team of six, expanded into servicing helicopters and now completes more than 350 jobs a year and maintains a customer fleet of more than 80 aircraft. Judges said it was an excellent, genuinely regional business that had used its location to its advantage.

1300Australia People’s Choice Award

A personal training business launched by Jude Davies in 2008, VIP Body Conditioning designs programs for individual health and fitness and positive nutritional and lifestyle habits that enhance its clients’ wellbeing.

Open to all entrants in the 2012 Awards, the People’s Choice Award is decided by a public vote, allowing customers, staff, suppliers and colleagues to show their support for their local businesses.

The winners of the Telstra Northern Territory Business Awards will be judged against category winners from other states and territories in the lead up to the national Telstra Australian Business Awards to be announced in Sydney on 29 August. Winners of the 2012 Awards receive a share of $500,000 in cash and prizes and become part of an exclusive national business alumni.

For more information about the Telstra Australian Business Awards, visit telstrabusinessawards.com.