8/12/03
Mandurah's Sands Pharmacy has won the inaugural Australia Post Regional Small Business of the Year.
The pharmacy, run by 28-year-old Josephine Jennings, also took out the category award for companies employing 10-20 Employees at the glittering awards ceremony, held at Mandurah's Performing Arts Centre on Friday night (December 5).
Small Business Minister Bob Kucera, who presented Ms Jennings with the award, said Sands Pharmacy was an outstanding example of a successful Western Australian regional business.
"I congratulate Sands Pharmacy on their wonderful achievement - particularly when they were up against such strong competition from businesses right across the State," Mr Kucera said.
"Regional small businesses make a valuable contribution to the economic and social development of WA."
Ms Jennings took over as manager of Mandurah's Sands Pharmacy six years ago, at the tender age of 22.
Less than four years later, after saving hard and completing an MBA, she bought the pharmacy and put in place a long-term business plan to develop an effective human resources strategy and a strong commitment to customer service.
The Micro Business Award, for businesses with five or fewer employees, was also won by a Mandurah business, EMSO Marketing.
Owned and run by Corinna and Noel Herbert, EMSO markets and distributes the
Snug as a Bug multi-purpose baby rug.
Ms Herbert designed the baby rug after becoming frustrated with traditional baby travel blankets following the birth of her second child.
The 5-10 Employees Award was won by Albany's Coastal Stainless, which manufactures and supplies stainless steel products to the wine industry.
John and Julia Embleton set up Coastal Stainless in May 1999 with just $500 and a modest overdraft.
The business now supplies wineries from the Upper Swan to the south coast and secured five major contracts in the year leading up to vintage 2003.
Bunbury food wholesaler Craven Foods won the BEC (Business Enterprise Centre) Achiever Award.
Douglas Mateljan and Kym Burke bought Craven Foods in January 2000 and have successfully developed the business into a recognised regional leader in the wholesale food and distribution industry.
Mandurah's Applied Body Therapeutics won the Home Based Business Award.
With a background in massage and beauty therapy in Queensland, Peter and Linda Bensley started up a similar business in WA after moving from Brisbane in 2001.
Applied Body Therapeutics services three main markets, including tourism and special events; residential, injury rehabilitation and corporate and workers' compensation.
The awards were sponsored by Australia Post, Computer Sciences Corporation, Planet Creative, GWN, Telstra Countrywide and WA Business News.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
