Ballarat Veterinary Practice has taken out the top gong at the 2018 Ballarat Business Excellence Awards.
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The practice was awarded the 2018 Federation Business School Business of the Year Award.
See the night in photos here.
THE WINNER, BALLARAT VETERINARY PRACTICE
Pets are a member of the family at Ballarat Veterinary Practice.
This passion for providing the highest quality and personalised care for Ballarat’s pets and horses has earned the practice the 2018 Federation Business School Business of the Year award.
Dr Stewart Greedy from Ballarat Veterinary Practice was presented with the highly esteemed award at the 2018 Federation Business School Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards gala presentation dinner on Thursday night.
“Wow. What an honour. For us to be standing here at this point is unbelievable,” he said after accepting the award at the Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre.
Three clinics in Ballarat, Wendouree and Lucas and a small equine hospital in Miner’s Rest make up the Ballarat Veterinary Practice.
Recent expansions with a new clinic in Lucas follow a long history of service to animals both large and small in Ballarat.
The practice began in 1945 as a veterinary clinic operating out of founder Dr Charles Pope’s home on Wendouree Parade. Dr Pope then moved to the current site on Sturt Street to establish one of two veterinary clinics in Ballarat.
Now it has grown to be the biggest veterinary practice in Ballarat and surrounds, with 26 vets including three specialists, two interns and 16 associates with different roles, and 35 support staff.
“We’re a long way from when Charlie Pope founded the business in 1945. We have grown to this point in 2018 and we’re not finished yet,” Dr Greedy said.
Ballarat Veterinary Practice has the only standing MRI facility for equine in Victoria. It also employs two of the 15 registered equine surgeons in the state.
“We take great pride in assisting all our vets to continue their education. It is rare we have to send our clients out of Ballarat because we can provide services for them here,” Dr Greedy said.
“We are also one of the few practices that participates in training of veterinary nurses.
“There is a high demand for training places and we take great pride in playing that part in training the veterinary nurses of the future.”
RE-LIVE THE NIGHT AS IT UNFOLDED HERE:
FERNDALE CONFECTIONERY’S LEIGH EDWARD WINS YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Schoolmates were jealous of Leigh Edward as a child. His father had his own confectionery business and he was ‘chief taste tester’ in the factory.
Now as the general manager of Ferndale Confectionery, he is enjoying the sweet taste of success. Mr Edward was awarded the BGT Jobs and Training Young Business Person of the Year at the Ballarat Business Excellence Awards on Thursday night.
“To be named as the inaugural winner of the Young Business Person of the Year in such a dynamic business environment is a great pleasure,” he said.
With a passion for identifying market opportunities, Mr Edward is leading the company’s expansion to Asia, and they’ve just built a marshmallow factory.
“In business and in life you need... a passionate team, a loving and supportive family and a great mentor. Above all else you need opportunity. I am lucky. I have had loads of the above... I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get to go to work every day and make lollies,” he said.
THE WINNERS
BGT JOBS AND TRAINING YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Leigh Edward
Community minded Ferndale Confectionery general manager Leigh Edward is leading the team through an aggressive growth plan to create a further 20 permanent jobs for Ballarat.
WHAT THEY SAID: “To be named as the inaugural winner of the Young Business Person of the Year in such a dynamic business environment is a great pleasure. In business and in life you need a few constants to allow you to be the best you can be. You need a passionate team, a loving and supportive family and a great mentor. Above all else you need opportunity. I am lucky. I have had loads of the above... I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get to go to work every day and make lollies. And we have just built one of the biggest marshmallow factories in Australia in Delacombe.”
VISIT BALLARAT EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS AWARD
Ballarat International Foto Biennale
A month long event, Ballarat International Foto Biennale provided a launch pad for hundreds of artists and delivered a significant economic and cultural impact.
WHAT THEY SAID: “We couldn’t have done it without all our supporters and our team. Would like to thank our 172 members who pull this together every two years for Ballarat. It brought 22,000 people to Ballarat last year and an economic impact of 28.9 million to the town, all over 30 days. It will grow from 30 to 60 days next year. Already we have 79 venues throughout Ballarat who exhibit the photos for the Biennale. The big news is that the Ballarat International Foto Biennale was able to buy the old Union Bank and we are converting it into the National Centre for Photography. It will have gallery spaces, workshop spaces, traditional dark room, community gallery and photo book library,” Fiona Sweet, festival and creative director
FEDERATION BUSINESS SCHOOL CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS AWARD
Leroy Mac Designs
Making their sheep their story, Leroy Mac Designs takes wool from their own farm to create a range of quality pure wool garments.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I feel a bit naked up here. I took my shearing singlet off before I came. We are very privileged to be standing in front of so many great businesses out there. For two people to have a dream, then an idea and turn that into reality and then be recognised by so many of our peers, all of that within eight years, is fantastic. We look forward to the next few years. If half of our stuff that is currently in our pipeline comes out the other end, we will have some impressive designs hit catwalks around the world showcasing our fantastic fibre Australian merino and showcasing what can be done in regional Victoria,” Rodney McErvale.
CITY OF BALLARAT RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND PUBS BUSINESS AWARD
Mitchell Harris Wines
A magnet for tourists and locals, Mitchell Harris Wines is a restaurant, cellar door, function and wine education centre in one.
WHAT THEY SAID: “What a surprise… We have come a long way so to receive this award is pretty special. We couldn’t have done this on our own. We think we have the best hospitality team in town. Service is what we pride ourselves on… We’d like to thank you, the people of Ballarat who have enabled us to do what we do, supported us and keep coming back,” John Harris, owner.
HARDWOOD ANDREWS FRANCHISE/ BUYING GROUP BUSINESS AWARD
Buxton (Ballarat)
Since opening the Ballarat office in 2015, Buxton delivers on its core values of integrity and reliability to create strong relationships and service excellence.
WHAT THEY SAID: “We are really surprised by this. It is really humbling to win and award such as this. We are extremely inspired by this room. To be in a room with Ballarat business as we have in the room here. This town is thriving. The small part we play in the real estate sector, it is only a small part, but we feel so connected to the community…. As we all know with business, a business is only as good as the people who are in your business. We have the best. We pride ourselves on our service and the quality we deliver. Three years ago our business didn’t exist. We are proud of what we have created in our short existence and are looking forward to the future,” Mark Nunn, director.
MATCHWORKS HEALTH AND WELLBEING BUSINESS AWARD
Ballarat Veterinary Practice
Across three clinics, Ballarat Veterinary Practice provides high quality medical, diagnostic and surgical services for companion animals plus a suite of equine services.
WHAT THEY SAID: Ballarat Veterinary Practice has been in the community since 1945. We have had a great relationship with greater comm over all those years. We take great pride in the service we provide from customer service when people come in to reception to our nurses and our vets. We love taking care of the health and wellbeing of animals in Ballarat and the health and wellbeing of their owners as it can be an emotional time for them,” Dr Stewart Greedy.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA - GRAMPIANS PADDOCK TO PLATE BUSINESS AWARD
Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat
A unique enterprise, Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat manages migratory hives across the Grampians region as well as backyard hives, operating a retail outlet selling premium equipment plus their own Ballarat Wild Bush Honey.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Our personal thanks must go to a small number of individuals who have been part of our success so far. Thanks go especially to Gavin, an 80 year old aparist who is our mentor and friend. This is intergenerational learning at its best... Our business journey was not quite as smooth as our beekeeping practice. We have made valuable connections with a range of local businesses who have supported us with the development of our self funded start up... And of course thanks to our customers who value our product as much as we do and share our passion for all things bees and beekeeping,” Amanda Collins
MERCURE BALLARAT HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BUSINESS AWARD
On Tap Liquor Consulting
A small firm, On Tap Liquor Consulting assists licensed venues to ensure industry compliance, providing regulatory training, auditing, advocacy and advice.
WHAT THEY SAID: “A big thank you to the sponsors. Particular thank you goes to our wives Kate and Wendy. We wouldn’t be here without you. Five years, it has been a bit of a ride,” James Robson.
COMMERCE BALLARAT MANUFACTURING BUSINESS AWARD
Shade ‘n’ Sails
From residential to large scale industrial and commercial projects, Shade 'n' Sails designs, manufactures and installs outdoor shade and waterproof products.
WHAT THEY SAID: “This is awesome. I’m very humbled to be up here. Congratulations to the other finalists in the manufacturing awards. I think manufacturing is in a good position in Ballarat. Almost 20 years we have been in operation, which not a lot of people would know. We are a smallish company. Looking back to 1999 when the two directors started in a garage and their business plan was to sell a shade sail every two weeks - we have come a long way since then. We now supply to over 100 distributors over the country and export internationally as well. We have a fantastic group of people who work as a team to continue to push the boundaries in our industry. We have plans already underway to a large purpose built factory that will allow us to streamline and improve our manufacturing process and continue to be an industry leader,” Murray Hocking, sales manager
POWER FM SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
Inspire HQ
Providing innovative recruitment and career coaching services, Inspire HQ helps clients gain the competitive edge when it comes to human resources.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Wow. This is amazing. I would like to acknowledge the other finalists in our category. Small business isn’t easy, so congratulations on being a finalist tonight. I would like to acknowledge our clients. We love working with you guys. For you to let us into your business and help you grow…. You make it possible for us to do what we love doing. To my amazing team, you guys absolutely rock. I can’t thank you enough for the hard work you do. The commitment is not a 9am to 5pm job. Thank you for believing in a small business and believing in Inspire HQ and what we are all about... Five years ago when I had this crazy idea I wanted to start a small business I’m sure my family thought I was crazy, but you have always supported me and helped me believe in myself. Thank you,” Angela Connor, director:
THE WIN NETWORK CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
Oak Tree Ballarat Dental
From impeccable customer service, Oak Tree Ballarat Dental knows a positive patient relationship helps relieve the anxiety of the next visit to the dentist.
WHAT THEY SAID: “It’s an honour to be part of the Business Excellence Awards again tonight. I congratulate you all, not just those who have won tonight, but every one of you. Tonight we are celebrating our contribution to community, which is unique to each business. Yet we are united by the underlying passion to serve with purpose. For us, we are able to achieve our purpose through excellence in dentistry.... I remember when I was a child every time my mum brought me into the dentist I would cry and seal my mouth. I think I have really come a long way. Behind the scenes we continue to upskill by keeping on top of research so what we offer is the very best of our potential. This translates to little children coming in with a big smile to tell me they have been counting the days until they could come in to see me… We want to build a service and atmosphere that translates to the next generation… Thank you to Jess my partner in business and in life, and to all our staff, this award really goes to you,” Dr John Lim.
CGU INSURANCE NOT FOR PROFIT BUSINESS AWARD
Pinarc Disability Support
Promoting inclusion and awareness, Pinarc Disability Support helps people maximise their potential throughout their lives with specialist services and resources.
WHAT THEY SAID: “What an absolute honour. Thank you so much. I would like to thank the more than 1000 clients we support and over 260 staff who are the absolute heart of our organisation. Congratulations to the equally worthy finalists. Our community is absolutely the richer for these great services. Supporting people with disability to go for their dreams is our joy and privilege. We have completely reinvented ourselves with the introduction of the NDIS. Listen out for Easy Tech Living, our social enterprise, a next step in a rapidly changing world. It creates tech solutions for people with a disability and people who are ageing. The future is exciting and we choose to be right in the middle of it,” CEO Maryanne Hubbard.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS WATER TRADE BUSINESS AWARD
Pipe Pro Directional Drilling
Promoting inclusion and awareness, Pinarc Disability Support helps people maximise their potential throughout their lives with specialist services and resources.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Big congratulations to the other very worthy finalists. Jason and I are absolutely honoured to be standing here. Over the past five years in business we have learnt surrounding ourselves with a quality team has been crucial to success. Thank you to the guys on the ground who are representing us every day. You are greatly appreciated. We hope you enjoy celebrating tonight and we hope you enjoy a well earned day off tomorrow… there’s always highs and lows in being a business owner but tonight is definitely one of those highs so thank you all so much,” Danielle James.
BALLARAT TECHNOLOGY PARK INNOVATION AWARD
Advantage Feeders
Through extensive research, innovative engineering and design, Advantage Feeders helps livestock farmers increase growth rates and reduce feed supplement costs.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Wow. I am so excited to be here... Just doing the nomination process was a really good health check for our business and we would recommend it to anyone else... To our customers. We deal with a lot of farmers from around the world. When they are going through tough periods and working 14 hours a day every day and not making ends meet, these are the guys who are giving us the ideas and are communicating what they need. They make this possible. I feel really privileged coming to work every day to work with so many high quality individuals. We have a real focus on continually improvement which means we are changing the way we do things almost every day. It’s not easy, so thank you,” Gerard Roney, managing director.
STOCKLAND WENDOUREE RETAIL BUSINESS AWARD
Studio g.a.s Ballarat
More than gifts apparel and shoes, Studio g.a.s Ballarat is a quaint little store that exudes eclectic style and superb customer service.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Wow, what an unexpected honour. Thank you ot my parents, I wouldn’t be the person I am today if they hadn’t installed these values into me… to my sister who is always there for me, to the faces of Studio g.a.s Ballarat and to my customers. And to Steve, he has been with me through blood, sweat and tears,” Rachael Sheehan.
THE COURIER NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS AWARD
Plate Up Ballarat
An exciting and successful month long festival, Plate Up Ballarat facilitated a unique collaboration between suppliers, restaurateurs, educators and local government.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Plate Up Ballarat saw a month of incredible beer, food and wine events across Ballarat but it is so much more than that. It is about celebrating and putting the spotlight on our chefs, producers, wine makers, and brewers in a way they deserve. We showcased the very best our region has to offer. It’s all about celebrating what our culinary scene has become, and striving for me. A huge thank you to each of my team… To see the hospitality industry get behind served as proof we were on the right track. Thank you to all who worked tirelessly to bring a vision to reality… tonight I could not be prouder. Thank you Ballarat for getting behind an idea and making it reality. Next year our vision extends beyond a month of food activities… This is just the beginning for Plate Up Ballarat. Thanks so much,” Kate Davis, director.