Winners offer up innovation and creativity

Winners of the WA Regional Small Business Awards have been revealed at a gala dinner event this evening.

The awards ceremony, held in Perth featured guests from around the State all vying for the prestigious accolades, and was hosted by GWN7’s Shauna Willis.

The evening’s main award, Western Australia Regional Small Business of the Year, went to Nudge Psychological Assessment and Consulting, Busselton. The firm also scooped the Customer Service Award.

Small Business Commissioner David Eaton said the awards were important for not only the economy but the community as well.

“The awards are important because they represent the best of small business and small business is vital to our communities and our economy.

“Small business deliver diversity, innovation and employment for the next generation.”

Nudge Psychological Assessment and Consulting founder Melissa Harrison stepped up to the stage to accept the award.

“(I’m) really taken by surprise (to win), but thank you so much,” she said.

“It’s all about the team and also the community. Psychology Week in Australia is (next week), so it’s perfect timing to raise the profile of what we’re doing.

“We’re trying to bring (the industry) into the future.

“I just want to thank my family, there’s been a lot of sacrifices.”

The South West and Capes region had a particularly strong showing with the Home-Based Business Award going to The Goodnight Nurse, Vasse, Business with 0-4 Employees Award taken out by Arrows, Margaret River.

Margaret River Hemp Co was named the top Business with 5-10 Employees, and SportsPower Bunbury and Eaton Fair scooped the Franchise Business Award.

Denmark’s Poornarti Aboriginal Tours was named Aboriginal Business Award winner, while Emu Lane, Katanning scooped the Business with 11-20 Employees Award.

Last year’s top award winners Wattnow Electrical, Derby, took out the Community Engagement Award, having also triumphed last month at the Regional Achievement and Community Awards where they walked away with the $2000 Business Achievement Award.

Representing the Pilbara, Exmouth’s Froth Craft was given the Start-up Business Award.

To learn more about the finalists and winners, visit the Small Business Development Corporation website.