IT was a gathering of Ballarat’s elite businesses, but this year the brightest spark of them all was Laser Electrical Ballarat.
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PHOTOS from the night here. Scroll down for a list of winners.
The long-standing Ballarat business was crowned winner of the coveted CGU Commerce Ballarat Business of the Year Award.
Laser Electrical Ballarat, formerly Paul Jenkins Electrics, has grown from humble beginnings after being established more than 50 years ago in Sebastopol.
It is now run by three directors – Zane Conroy, Tony Rowe and Brad Bright.
More than 600 people from across Ballarat’s business community flocked to the gala awards.
There was a relaxed ambience as guests were entertained by the cast of Ballarat Lyric Theatre’s Phantom of the Opera.
As well as winning the CGU Business of the Year Award, Laser Electrical Ballarat also took out the honour of the Central Highlands Water Trade Business Award.
According to managing director Zane Conroy, the secret to standing out from the rest in a competitive industry is to continue to re-invent a business and invest in training and supporting staff.
Mr Conroy said the team was ecstatic to be named the CGU Business Award of the Year.
“We are so honoured and proud,” he said.
“We were up against some really great businesses so to be nominated – let alone win – is fantastic.”
Laser Electrical Ballarat specialises in industrial electrical installation and maintenance.
“It is taking a concept and making it come to life for people,” Mr Conroy said.
“It is an incredibly rewarding job to do because it is always evolving.
“It is a great profession to be in.”
The Laser team of 52 people includes electrical engineers specialising in design, drafting, industrial automation and energy efficiency.
The company recently relocated to a purpose-built shed and offices in Delacombe.
The new headquarters facilitates electrical contracting in industrial, domestic, commercial and high-voltage environments. Commerce Ballarat chairman Andrew Rowan congratulated all the finalists and winners.
Mr Rowan said the awards were a forum for business owners to celebrate their successes with employees and peers.
“The awards provide an important lift to the business community,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments in a public forum as a collective group of Ballarat businesses.”
CGU Business of the Year
Laser Electrical Ballarat
CGU Insurance Community and Government Award
Highlands LLEN
Central Highlands Water Trade Business Award
Laser Electrical Ballarat
Ballarat Regional Tourism Special Events and Attractions Award
Rotary Ballarat Swap Meet
Harwood Andrews Small Business Award
Cyclescape
Remingtons Insurance Brokers Creative Industries Award
The Crafty Squirrel
Haymes Paint Family Business Award
Ferndale Confectionery
Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre Professional Service Award
Simplex Insurance Solutions
Federation Business School E-commerce and Online Award
Loreto College Ballarat
Power FM B2B Business to Ballarat Award
Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments
Ballarat Technology Park- Federation University Australia Innovation Award
Argus Connecting Care
Regional Development Australia - Grampians Staff Training and Development Award
Karden Disability Support Foundation
The Courier New and Emerging Business Award
Rubilicious Wax & Beauty Bar
The WIN Network Customer Service Award
Telstra Stores Ballarat and Wendouree
Nova Pharmacy Health and Wellbeing Award
Lake Health Group
Powercor Manufacturing Award
Sovereign Press
City of Ballarat Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs Award
The Western Hotel