Bunbury co wins 1998 Telstra WA Small Business of the Yr Award

2/10/98

Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan has commended Bunbury business Lamac Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd which was tonight named the 1998 Telstra WA Small Business of the Year.

The business was presented with more than $18,000 in prizes, including an $8000 research and development grant, at the Telstra WA Small Business Development Corporation Awards ceremony at Burswood Convention Centre.

Mr Cowan said the awards showcased the innovation, enterprise and outstanding contribution small businesses made to the State.

"They foster a culture of quality and entrepreneurial spirit that can only benefit both Western Australia and the businesses themselves," Mr Cowan said.

"The awards recognise and support the small business sector which makes a massive contribution to our economy.

"Not only do they provide a vast array of goods and services, small businesses provide more jobs for Australians than any other business sector.

"I congratulate the winners, finalists and everyone who entered the awards. We are proud to salute the talent of Western Australia's dynamic small business operators and help nurture the development of this important business sector."

The WA awards are the result of a partnership between Telstra and the Small Business Development Corporation to recognise and promote the quality, diversity and ingenuity of successful Western Australian small businesses.

Category winners in the awards were:

·      Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, winner of the Ansett Business Owner Award (Business with fewer than 10 employees);

·      Lamac Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd, winner of the IBM Business Owner Award (Business with fewer than 50 employees); and -

·      Westralian Engineering Services, winner of the AusIndustry Manufacturers' Award (Manufacturer with fewer than 100 employees).

All winners will compete at the national Telstra and Australian Governments' Small Business Awards in Sydney on November 12.

Other awards presented tonight included:

·      Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, to Mr Ned Montarello, Rent Smart Pty Ltd; and -

·      AusIndustry Innovation Prize, to Systems Intellect.

Ansett Australia, AusIndustry, Ernst & Young, IBM, and BRW magazine are proud to support the development of Australian small business through the awards.

The awards were developed by Telstra in 1992 to support and encourage the development of small businesses Australia-wide.

Media contacts: Peter Jackson (Minister's office) 9222-9595

Heather Hunt (SBDC) 9220-0215