GWN WA Regional Small Business Award winners announced

A Karratha hire car company has scooped the top honour at the GWN Western Australian Regional Small Business Awards.

Owners of McLaren Hire, Sean and Lisa Clarke, were presented with the award at a gala dinner held last night in Perth.

Commerce Minister Bill Marmion presented the awards in front of more than 230 guests from across WA.

"The north of the State was the big winner this year, with five out of seven category winners coming from Carnarvon and Karratha," Mr Marmion said.

"This year's winners are the cream of the crop and show how resilient and resourceful the small business sector is in WA.

"Representing a broad range of industries, the finalists and winners should be very proud of their achievements."

The 2010 inductee to the Western Australian Regional Small Business Hall of Fame was Barrie Stearne of Esperance.

The winners for 2010 are:

·           2010 GWN Western Australian Regional Small Business of the Year Award

Overall winner:  McLaren Hire, Karratha

Owners:  Sean and Lisa Clarke

·           Best Home Based Business Award

(Sponsored by Small Business Development Corporation)

Winner:  Terra Temptations - Bumbak's Preserves & Icecreams, Carnarvon

Owner:  Joanne Buzzard (nee Bumbak)

·           Best Franchise Award

(Sponsored by Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry)

Winner:  Harvey World Travel, Karratha

Owner:  Carrol Dargie

·           Business Achiever Award

(Sponsored by the Small Business Centre Network)

Winner:  Timbercheck Truss & Frame, Bunbury

Owners:  Greg and Alison Meachem

·           Best Aboriginal Business

(Sponsored by Woodside Energy Limited)

Winner:  Portaccomm SX5 Building Systems, Karratha

Owners:  Ralph Keller, Cherie Keller, Kenzie Smith

·           Best Micro Business Award

(Sponsored by Sensis Yellow Pages)

Winner:  Fish & Whistle Backpackers/Port Hotel, Carnarvon

Owners:  Tony and Merome Beard

·           Best Business with 5 to 10 Employees

(Sponsored by WA Business News)

Winner:  Southside Mechanical Services, Geraldton

Owners:  Geoff and Wendy Watters

·           Best Business with 10 to 20 Employees

(Sponsored by Telstra Country Wide)

Winner:  McLaren Hire, Karratha

Owners:  Sean and Lisa Clarke

·           2010 Regional Small Business Hall of Fame Inductee

Mr Barrie Stearne, Esperance

Minister's office - 9222 9111