Moreton Bay Region Business Excellence and Innovation Awards finalists revealed

Published 11:00am 5 October 2021

Words by Kylie Knight

The resilience, tenacity and ingenuity of businesses will be celebrated at the 2021 Moreton Bay Region Business Excellence and Innovation Awards next month.

There are 58 finalists across 12 categories, after a record number of businesses from a diverse range of sectors were nominated.

The fourth annual awards program has been refreshed to reflect Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Regional Economic Development Strategy, with the introduction of three new categories – Businesswoman of the Year, Food and Agribusiness Excellence, and Advanced Manufacturing Excellence.

The Moreton Bay Region Business Excellence and Innovation Awards are delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) with sponsorship through its partner Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The winners will be decided through a judging process involving a total of 40 judges, who come from a mix of public and private sector organisations from across South East Queensland, using world-class expertise to assess submissions.

Award winners will be announced during a gala awards ceremony on November 19 at Eatons Hill Hotel.

MBRIT Chairman Shane Newcombe says the awards showcase a high-calibre and diverse field of businesses and he is thrilled to see a two percent increase in nominations despite the uncertainty of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions.

“Despite the challenges over the past 18 months, businesses have continued to demonstrate that they are #MoretonBayTough,” Mr Newcombe says.

“It’s now time for us to come together and celebrate the outstanding achievements which showcase the best products, services and innovations from the Moreton Bay Region.

“I’m particularly excited about the new categories this year including Businesswoman of the Year and can’t wait to see who takes out the inaugural award.

“Interestingly, 40 percent of businesses that nominated are only one to five years old, 24 percent had been in business for more than 20 years, and 11 percent of nominating business employ more than 100 people, with 57 percent employing 1-19 employees.”

Proud of #TeamMoretonBay

Mayor Peter Flannery says he has never been more proud of the Moreton Bay Region.

“This year, more than ever, every nominee is a winner and I think every business who has managed to find a way to trade through this pandemic deserves our applause,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Yes, there have been some industries that’ve seen a massive increase in demand and profits but for the smaller local businesses that this event celebrates, it has taken sheer guts and determination to innovate and survive through the past two years.

“As a Council we have done everything we can to support local business, but the strength of our economy right now is really thanks to the 29,000 businesses in our community who have made Moreton Bay a success story through the pandemic.

“I take my hat off to each and every one of those 29,000 businesses and thank you for your commitment to our region.”