Technology drives NSW businesses to sweep export awards

It’s been a tough year for our states exporters but that didn’t deter our technology savvy companies from scoring yet again at the Australian Export Awards held in Canberra on Friday night.

What makes this year’s result particularly pleasing said Ian Murray CEO of the Australian Institute of Export, is that all three NSW winners are IT driven and contemporary export marketers. 

The SMARTS group took out the ICT Award after recently being crowned the NSW Premiers NSW Exporter of the Year. With almost 90% of its business in exports SMARTS provides real-time market surveillance technology to the international financial community. 

aussieBum, based in Camperdown won the Small to Medium Manufacturer Award. The company is a master of the internet to market its swimwear brand to the world. 

    
Servcorp was the winner of the Large Services Award. Operating in 25 cities and 14 countries Servcorp is an international supplier of IT solutions in the form premium serviced and virtual offices. 

For further information on the winners of the 47th National Export Awards please visit: www.exportawards.gov.au  

Two of Griffith’s top businesses have made the final cut for NSW Business Chamber’s Annual Awards that recognise business excellence in small business growth, exporting, community involvement and employers of choice. The finalists from Griffith are: 
 
Westend Estate Wines Pty Ltd (Excellence in Export); 
Westend Estate Wines Pty Ltd (Employer of Choice); 
Roy Spagnolo & Associates (Excellence in Community Involvement)

Westend Estate Wines Pty Ltd is also a finalist for the prestigious President’s Prize. The winners will be announced at Star City Casino, Sydney on Thursday 26 November during the NSW Business Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner.

“The inclusion of these two great Griffith businesses as finalists for NSW Business Chamber’s state-wide Awards shows that our region can hold its own when it comes to being leaders in business excellence,” said Ben Foley, NSW Business Chamber Murray-Riverina Regional Manager.

“They are representative of how local business owners are thinking outside the square, creating jobs, supporting our community or making their workplaces the first choice for people to be employed in.

“Congratulations to our local finalists and fingers crossed they take the top prizes.”

Westend Estate were also a finalist in the 2009 Premier's NSW Export Awards.

Australia continues to lead the global economic recovery with the Reserve Bank of Australia being the first to increase interest rates which are currently sitting at 3.5%. The persistent widening of the interest rate differential between Australia and the U.S in addition to lower than expected local unemployment has seen interest rate markets price in further rises with some predicting a more neutral rate around 5.5% by end of 2010. As a consequence the Aussie traded as high as 93 cents with more upside likely in coming weeks and months as confidence in Asia and Australia recovery story gathering momentum. Download full report here

The Western Australian Export Awards are the State's most prestigious business awards. They acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new markets. The Awards acknowledge the important contribution that Western Australian businesses make to the local economy through job creation and increased prosperity in the community.

On 2 October 2009, winners of the 2009 Western Australian Industry and Export Awards were announced at a black tie event at the Hyatt Hotel, Perth. These winners listed below, automatically progress as National Finalists in the 47th Australian Export Awards which will be held in the Great Hall, Parliament House on Friday, 20 November 2009.

Emerging Exporter - The Wine and Truffle Company
Small to Medium Manufacturer - Peak Well Services
Large Advanced Manufacturer - Solahart Industries
Information and Communication Technology- Embed International Pty Ltd
Agribusiness - Grain Pool Services
Small to Medium Services- Silverise
Minerals and Energy - Alcoa of Australia
Education and Training - Silver Trowel TradeTraining
Our Premier's Award for Excellence went to Solahart Industries.

ACT Chief Minister’s Export of the Year for 2009: Sentinel Pty Ltd

Small to Medium Services Award:  Sentinel Pty Ltd

Sentinel Pty Ltd provides specialised services to clients in Mining and Government sectors.  The services include the design, implementation and operation of remote environmental monitoring solutions which include site selection, design, installation, and the long term operation and maintenance of remote monitoring networks using various communication platforms to capture: water height, water quality and flow rates of rivers / lakes, air, groundwater and sewer monitoring, bathymetric surveys and finally climatic data.  For 9 years Sentinel has been exporting its products and services to some of the harshest and most security challenged locations in the world, with clients spread across the globe from Africa to Asia Pacific and the Dominican Republic.

 

Arts and Entertainment Award:  Lucy Media Pty Ltd

Lucy Media Pty Ltd is a Canberra based media and entertainment company which only commenced operations in September 2006. Lucy Media publishes and organises user-generated content while providing a unique customer experience.  They own and operate a portfolio of social media websites and develop content management systems. They reach a combined global audience of 10 million visitors each month, with four major geographical markets - the US (63%), UK (9%), Canada (5.5%) and Australia (2.5%) - accounting for 80% of their readers. 100% of their operating revenue (advertising) is generated as export sales. 

 

Education & Training Award:  CIT Solutions Pty Ltd

CIT Solutions Pty Ltd provides customised training, education and consultancy services in the ACT, Australia and internationally with a reputation for high quality learning, integrity and service gained over the 20 years since its establishment. The company has developed into a sustainable, dynamic and integral part of Canberra’s export economy, recruiting over 1000 international students from over 75 countries annually and employing a team of 18 dedicated staff specialising in international education.

Emerging Exporter Award:  Windlab Systems Pty Ltd

Windlab Systems is a global wind energy development company who commenced exporting in 2006. They use their unique wind mapping technology and advanced wind modelling tools to remotely locate new, highly prospective sites rapidly, and at low cost, reducing risk by shortening initial development time frames and ensuring the sites they choose to progress are more likely to lead to commercially viable projects.  Their track record in progressing commercially viable sites is reflected in a growing portfolio spanning Canada, USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. 

 

 

Information & Communication Technology Award:  stratsec

Stratsec is one of Australia's leading independent information management and ICT security consultancies.  With offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and a presence in Perth, they are currently in the process of establishing offices in Malaysia and Singapore.  Following their success in winning the ACT Emerging Exporter award in 2008, stratsec’s merger with SIFT in May 2009 saw them become arguably the largest and leading information services provider in the region.  

 

Large Services Award:  Aspen Medical

Aspen Medical is an Australian solutions-based company providing healthcare services to remote areas or regions of high demand, taking the best of global innovation and delivering it in a world class approach. Aspen Medical provides a complete health care solution from developing a scope of work through to delivery and post project reporting. Aspen can also add intellectual capital to their clients or fill a capacity gap. Aspen is a new kind of medical business, offering a thoroughly modern, innovative and trustworthy solution to service delivery problems.

 

 

Small Business Award:  Recruitment Systems Pty Ltd

Recruitment Systems Pty Ltd are suppliers of software to the global recruitment industry and develop and market advanced systems for data capture and recruitment operations management.  They work with 203 separate recruitment industry clients and approximately 2000 individual recruiters in these firms use their systems to substantially improve their everyday workflow.  Recruitment Systems’ core market is the Asia-Pacific with sustained growth in China, the Middle East and South-East Asia.

 

 

Small to Medium Manufacturer Award:  Dyesol Limited

Dyesol Limited is a Queanbeyan-based business recognised as world leaders in development and commercialisation of third generation photovoltaics, Dyesol develops, manufactures and supplies a range of dye solar cell products comprising equipment, chemicals, materials, components and related services to researchers and manufacturers of dye solar cells (DSC) and works with partners and customers to integrate DSC technology into their products.  

Click here to download a copy of the media release

 

 

Congratulations to this year’s winners at the Governor of Victoria Export Awards

The Governor of Victoria Export Awards has been running for 30 years and showcases the truly remarkable achievements of Victoria's export sector.

Recipients of these major awards add value to their business by giving them a competitive advantage and virtual passport to overseas markets, increasing respect within their industry, raising awareness of their company and their products, and promoting company pride.

Winners of the 2009 Governor of Victoria Export Awards were recognised at a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday, 21 October 2009.  These same winners automatically progress as national finalists to the 2009 Australian Export Awards which will be presented at a prestigious Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Friday 20 November in the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra.  The Prime Minister’s Australian Exporter of the Year will be selected by the Prime Minister from the 12 national award winners.

And the 2009 Winners are:

 

MARK YOUR DIARY! GLOOM OR BOOM: The Outlook for Australian Exporters in 2010


You are invited to attend a special end of year lunch with the Australian Institute of Export (AIEx) and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).   

This special event will look back at the global economy over the last year, examine the trends that have emerged and – importantly for our exporting community – give some perspectives on the year ahead.   

While Australia is the first developed economy to show signs of economic recovery and growth, how will other economies fare and how does this impact on our export potential?  

A panel of leading economists will share their views on the trends to watch out for in 2010.

Date:  2nd December, Park Hyatt, 1 Parliament Square, Melbourne
           3rd December, Hyatt Regency, 99 Adelaide Terrace, Perth

Time: from 12pm

For further information please visit our events calendar or click here

Lisa McAuley on 1300 361 526 or lisamcauley@aiex.com.au

This event is co-hosted by:

 

                                                                 

Congratulations to the 2009 Premier’s NSW Export Award winners

The Australian Institute of Export and our award partners would like to congratulate this year’s 2009 Premier’s NSW Export Award winners.

National Categories

Agribusiness
Sponsored by: Sydney Ports Corporation
Winner: Namoi Cotton Co-operative Ltd
Namoi Cotton is the only Australian owned company in the cotton industry.  They are also the leading provider of ginning and marketing services to the Australian cotton industry.

Arts & Entertainment
Sponsored by: Austrade
Winner: Petrol Records International
Petrol Records is one of the world’s leading independent entertainment companies, originally established in 2002.

Education & Training
Sponsored by: Exportise
Winner: The University of Western Sydney
The University of Western Sydney is a leading centre of learning, research and culture in the community attracting students annually.

Emerging Exporter
Sponsored by: Qantas Freight
Winner: Nuix Pty Ltd
Nuix was created in 2000 and has spent the past nine years developing and refining the world’s fasted and most advanced eDiscovery and electronic investigation software.

Information & Communication Technology
Sponsored by: CPA Australia
Winner: SMARTS Group Holdings Pty Ltd
SMARTS Groups is the unrivalled leader in securities market surveillance technology in over 30 export markets.

Large Advanced Manufacturer
Sponsored by: HSBC
Winner: ResMed Ltd
ResMed manufactures, markets, and sells through 18 wholly owned subsidiaries and numerous distributors in 80 countries, equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders.

Large Services
Sponsored by: The Sydney Morning Herald
Winner: Servcorp
Servcop is the world’s 2^nd largest international supplier of office and IT solutions in the form of premium serviced and virtual office.

Minerals and Energy
Sponsored by: Hunt & Hunt
Winner: Gujarat NRE Minerals Limited
Gujarat NRE Minerals Limited is involved in mining, processing and marketing of NSW world class coal products.

Regional Exporter
Sponsored by: Industry & Investment NSW
Winner: MSM Milling
MSM Milling Pty. Ltd. operates Australia’s first and most modern integrated oilseed crushing and refining facility at Manildra in Central NSW

Small Business
Sponsored by: Australia Post
Winner: Netbased Software Pty Ltd
NetBased Software is a collection of business software applications for use on a variety of network platforms.

Small to Medium Manufacturer
Sponsored by: NSW Business Chamber
Winner: aussieBum
aussieBum is an Australian men's swimwear manufacturer. In recent years aussieBum has also increased its product line to other clothing include underwear, leisurewear, sportswear and loungewear.

Small to Medium Services
Sponsored by: Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)
Winner: PLN Lawyers
PLN Lawyers Sydney mission is to be the leading provider of legal and business advisory services to corporations, entrepreneurs, international institutions and governments operating in the Pacific region.

NSW Award Categories

Young Exporter of the Year
Sponsored by: The University of New South Wales
Winners:
Garrick Harvison-Yarraman Estate 
Yarraman Estate is the oldest vineyard in Upper Hunter producing wine and distributing it globally.

Jodie Fried -Bholu Pty Ltd
Bholu is a homewares design company based in Surry Hills NSW and was founded by CEO Jodi Fried in 2005.

NSW Asian Exporter
Sponsored by: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Winner: Atron Enterprises Pty Ltd
Atron processes and markets a range of chilled and frozen meat products and offal under a number of brands nationally and internationally. 

NSW Western Sydney Exporter
Sponsored by: Casella Wines
Winner: Gloria Jean's Coffees International
Gloria Jean’s Coffees is an Australian owned global company with 917 coffee houses operating in 37 countries, including 423 coffee houses overseas.

NSW Export Scholorship
Sponsored by: Dynamic Export
Winners:
Haltech Engine Management Systems 
Haltech is an Australian company with a commitment to the design and production of high tech electronic systems and components for the aftermarket Automotive industry.

Baby cupcakes 
Babycupcakes is a gift service that specialises in bouquets of baby clothing, nappy cakes, and many other innovative baby gifts.

NSW Innovation in Export
Sponsored by: SMA Entertainment by Design
Winner: Nordiko Quarantine Systems Pty Ltd
Nordiko Quarantine Systems is an Australian company that specializes in providing innovative quarantine solutions across a wide range of industries.

2009 NSW Exporter of the Year
Sponsored by: Industry & Investment NSW
Winner: SMARTS Group Holdings Pty Ltd

Export has played a major role in driving the Australian economic recovery over the last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Annual Hong Kong-Australia Business Association (HKABA) NSW Chapter BUSINESS AWARDS was held on 23 October 2009. The Business Awards celebrated its tenth year anniversary. The Awards recognizes NSW companies that excel in all aspects of international trade between NSW and Hong Kong SAR, China.

The Awards, widely regarded as a prestigious badge of honor, were presented to winners at a ceremony held this evening at the Hilton Hotel Sydney in attendance of around 500 guests. The Award’s Guests of Honor were: The Hon. Kevin Greene MP and The Hon. Philip Ruddock MP.
 
This year’s Business Awards and The Grand Award were awarded to the most outstanding amongst the following six categories’ winners:
• Export of Goods- AUNEW
• Export of Services-Global Experience'
• Import of Goods-Bay Bee Cino
• Import of Services- KVB Kunlun
• Creative SME- Hong Kong Dim Sim Kitchen
• Contribution to Industry- Master Builders Association-NSW
• Grand Award - Master Builders Association-NSW

The independent judging panel was chaired by The Hon. Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC, and comprises The Hon. Henry Tsang OAM MLC with other professionals and industry heads from Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Austrade, Qantas Airways, Aon Risk Services, CMC Markets, and Volkswagen Group Australia.
 
Ms. Belinda Wong Chairman of the 2009 Business Awards Organizing Committee mentions
 
“We had an increase of entrants by 50%. This is an outstanding result which reflects the fact that our Business Awards is a popular platform being used for local SME’s for recognition and publicity. We were greatly impressed by the high standards and enthusiasm of the entrants in this year’s competition and warmly congratulate all entrants. This year also saw a record number of sponsors and guests support our Awards”
 
Mr Peter Sinn President of the HKABA-NSW Chapter mentions “Despite the harsh global economic conditions, it is pleasing to see our entrants, finalists and winners striving hard to succeed by using innovative and creative methods of growing their business using the strong trade links between Australia (NSW), HK S.A.R and China”

The entrants were judged according to various criteria including professional approach to business practice, standard of marketing strategies, level of innovation, creativity and proportion of import/export turnover. The companies that received the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association’s (HKABA) NSW Annual Awards for 2009 were:

1. Export of Goods Award
Sponsored by: Aon Risk Services
Winner: Aunew Group
Aunew Group is, as its name suggests, a group companies including two pharmaceutical factories – GMP Pharmaceuticals (AU) and GMP Pharmaceuticals (NZ) – based in the Sydney CBD. GMP Pharmaceuticals has been a leading contract manufacturer of health food of Australian/NZ origin. Both factories were especially designed to offer a unique “One Stop OEM Service” to Asian migrants who want their own heath food brand and export to their home countries. Over the last couple years, Aunew has developed a new service known as “One Stop Export to China Service”. By setting up the world’s first Australian/NZ concept store –Aunew Hub in Beijing – and a specially designed system, it is helping small/medium- sized Australian/NZ companies export to China.

2. Export of Services Award
Sponsored by: Volkswagen Group Australia
Winner: Global Experience
GE fills an important role in Australia’s third largest export industry – education. Many institutions deliver an excellent service in regard to their core business, education, but when it comes to accommodation, most colleges now outsource to professionals like Global Experience as there are not enough in-house resources to deliver a high quality service in this field. GE is a Homestay provider which means it places international students to live with Australian families for one week or several years. This type of arrangement allows international students to settle in Australia and focus on their studies in a much faster way. Having a warm welcoming place to live is mandatory and Global Experience endeavours to “bridge the gap between getting started in a new country and feeling comfortable in new environment”. Whether the student is here for a short or long time, strong bonds often grow between them and their host family to produce long lasting friendships. GE recruits the Host Family through a very tight screening process, also liaising with the students and educational providers. The company provides ongoing counselling, mediation and support for all parties. Other services provided by GE are: VIP, Self-Catered and Standard Homestay plus Airport Pick Up, Guardianship, Group Study Tours as well as Internet and mobile phone plans (specifically tailored to the needs of international students).

3. Creative SME Award
Sponsored by: Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office
Winner: Hong Kong Dim Sim Kitchen
The vision of Hong Kong Dim Sim Kitchen can be traced back to 1982 when the Asian cuisine industry was in its fledgling stages and Kok Ching Ho added impetus to opportunity by opening a Dim Sim factory in Sydney, Australia. As one of the original pioneers of dim sim production here, Hong Kong Dim Sim Kitchen remains wholesome in its mission to provide authentic Oriental finger food using only the finest Australian meat and vegetable produce. With over 20 years of industry know-how, or scrutiny, depending on how you look at it, we have let the tastebuds of the Australian public determine whether authenticity and premium quality are appropriate definitions of our products. We like to think our staying power attests to the genuineness of our claims but if you are not convinced, then maybe the approval of the HACCP and the NSW Food Authority would instill some peace of mind as to our commitment to promoting not only an authentic, but also a healthy, Hong Kong-style recipe. Whether you are at a local grocery store, a hotel, or were at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, we believe convenience should begin at your fingertips and end in your stomach. Our products are pre-cooked and immediately frozen to retain freshness, ready to be served for all occasions. As for us, cost leadership has never been a part of our business approach.

4. Contribution to Industry Award
Sponsored by: CMC Markets
Winner: Master Builders Association of NSW
The Master Builders Association of NSW has been successfully delivering the Certificate IV in Building program since 2004. Feedback regarding work practices from local Master Builder divisions highlighted the issue of licensed builders being “undercut” on their quotations by illegitimate contractors. Despite the endeavors of the Office of Fair Trading and Work Cover in enforce legal action on those contracting illegally, there remains an element of ignorance and lack of comprehension of what is required to become qualified for licensing. The Chinese community is an example of where highly skilled, and those professing to be skilled, work with their own community and seldom venture out due to fear of being caught by the authorities governing residential building works in NSW. The “carrot vs stick” approach was undertaken by the Master Builders in an endeavor to bring those skilled workers up to the level expected by the consumer and government authorities instead of allowing them to be fined for undertaking illegal building works. This program has also opened up a new market for membership of the association which provides updated information and continuing professional education in line with the licensing laws of NSW. Whilst the Master Builders is a non-profit organisation, a positive return on investment has been realised equating to 19 per cent of total Certificate IV profits. This has allowed for reinvestment into the provision of interpreting services for participants and has also provided ongoing marketing and promotional support for the program. This additional benefit has allowed a planned investment into other qualifications to ensure the sustainability of the program for participants with a non-English-speaking background to attain a national qualification.

Grand Award

Winner: Master Builders Association of NSW
Sponsor: Qantas Airways Limited Sponsors

The HKABA-NSW acknowledges the generous support of all the Business Awards Platinum Sponsors: Qantas Airways Ltd, Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd and CMC Markets, EWH Food Services and VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia.

Business Awards Major Event Sponsors include: Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Commonwealth Bank Australia, Altus Page Kirkland

Business Awards Event Sponsors: Australia Chinese Daily, Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, Ettason Pty Ltd, Think and Grow, Concord International Trading P/L, Golden Century Seafood Restaurant, Vinda Paper Pty Ltd,

Business Awards Event Supporters: Chinatown.com.au, 2CR Radio, The Asian Executive, and Asia Today International. Charity During the Business Awards Gala Dinner on 23 October, HKABA NSW Chapter also raised over $10,000 for Elderly Australian Chinese Homes by selling the Raffle tickets.

The - End -
Media enquiries
Please contact Ms. Coco Li or Mr. Peter Bosevski Hong Kong-Australia Business Association-NSW Chapter
Tel: (+61 2) 9267 3158 Email: hkaba_nsw@hktdc.org or peter.bosevski@hktdc.org