Winners of the 2002 Industry and Export Awards announced

18/10/02
Lasata Software's multi-faceted global marketing strategy to promote its Vision Financial Management software has helped earn the company the Premier's Award for Excellence in the 2002 Western Australia Industry and Export Awards.
Premier Dr Geoff Gallop tonight presented Lasata Software with the major prize in this prestigious awards program during a special ceremony in Perth.
"Lasata is to be congratulated for achieving the Premier's Award for Excellence which recognises a long record of achievement in creating and marketing a product that is Vision by name and 'visionary' by nature," Dr Gallop said.
"It is also pleasing to know that the software is developed in-house using WA expertise and innovation.
"The company has developed an award-winning reputation and has achieved an impressive export record through its marketing strategy which has resulted in 99 per cent of sales being derived from exports.
"In the last financial year, the company has maintained export growth while exceeding its profit targets. At the same time, it invested heavily in research and development to gain entry into major new markets and build the foundation for its own global distribution structure."
Lasata Software, which also won the Information, Communications and Technology Export Award for the third time, has continued to develop financial management software tools, designed to complement SunSystems databases, which are now installed in over 140 countries.
The WA Industry and Export Awards are the leading business awards in the State, with the Premier's Award for Excellence being awarded by members of the judging panel for outstanding performance and overall excellence.
Winners of the Export categories will represent the State in the Australian Export Awards later this year.
Other category winners in this year's awards are:
C Y O'CONNOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Commtech Wireless
Commtech's communications software has revolutionised the way businesses send messages. The technology is designed to integrate with other critical systems, such as fire alarms, security systems, nurse call and building management systems. The power of Commtech's BASEPage 2000 technology, which seamlessly integrates all types of text messaging, has attracted business from diverse industries around the world.
MARKETING AND DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD
Antry Pty Ltd
Using WA's unique timbers, which can be dismantled for easy export, the Antry furniture collection combines practicality with high quality and innovative design. The company has established a growing presence at international furniture shows, not only to promote its high quality jarrah and WA hardwood furniture, but also to research current market trends. A total website revamp has also helped Antry to reach more overseas customers.
SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
Over the past 12 months the foundation has expressed its commitment to quality, growth and entrepreneurship and it is now recognised as a world leader in ocean based experiential learning. New initiatives in quality and safety management, human resources, international expansion and community partnerships have helped Leeuwin achieve growth in every key result area, resulting in a dramatic increase in profits and cash reserves.
EMERGING EXPORTER AWARD
Commtech Wireless
A second award for Commtech Wireless which has gone from strength to strength since making its first overseas sale less than three years ago. Last year exports to more than 20 countries accounted for over 21 per cent of revenue. Direct mail and Internet exposure have helped drive the company into the international arena and it now has a distribution channel of over 240 partner companies worldwide.
SMALL TO MEDIUM MANUFACTURERS EXPORT AWARD
Q-Mac Electronics Pty Ltd
The Q-Mac HR-90 radio receiver can achieve ranges of up to 3,000km without satellites or cellphone towers, attracting defence and military buyers in more than 75 countries. Suitable for manpack, mobile and base applications, the HR-90 offers high power, lower cost and secure communications, with the company achieving consistent growth in sales revenue of around 20 percent per annum.
LARGE ADVANCED MANUFACTURERS EXPORT AWARD
Oceanfast Pty Ltd
Soon to deliver a yacht to Greg Norman, Oceanfast has attained an enviable international profile. Creative marketing, the application of modern technology, a focus on customer service and a quality product have all contributed to Oceanfast's success. The company has established its position amongst the world's top six luxury motor yacht builders and diversified its range of vessels and has more than doubled its sales revenue with 100 percent coming from exports.
AGRIBUSINESS EXPORT AWARD
PB Foods Limited
Peters and Brownes are household names in WA, and now due to PB Foods' wide ranging export strategies, these brands are making inroads in major Asian markets. The company has earned a reputation for quality and customer service in Japan, giving the company a firm foundation for market expansion in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong with its innovative products, efficient business systems, responsive customer service and a willingness to understand and work with diverse cultures.
AGRIBUSINESS EXPORT SPECIAL COMMENDATION
Wescobee Limited
Established in 1926, honey marketer Wescobee has achieved outstanding export growth. The company has seen quite dramatic changes in recent years in terms of its product range and approach to marketing and sales.
MINERALS AND ENERGY EXPORT AWARD
Consolidated Minerals Limited
As the only independent supplier of high-grade manganese ore in the Asian region, Consolidated Minerals has achieved ongoing export contracts in Asia and Europe for over 80 per cent of its annual production. The company's Pilbara chromite product is also making strong inroads, with exports to China now under way and bright prospects for increased sales in the near future.
SERVICES EXPORT AWARD
Burswood International Resort Casino
Burswood's international marketing strategy uses a mix of techniques, with a strong focus on Asian nations. A $96million refurbishment program has kept the Burswood image fresh and dynamic, and future developments are in the pipeline. Burswood resort is a unique, multi-service tourism drawcard for Perth and WA.
EDUCATION EXPORT AWARD
Phoenix English Language Academy
Over the past 12 years Phoenix has managed the enrolment, admission, accommodation, training and care of more than 12,000 students and is one of the largest English training centres in Australia. Last year Business Review Weekly recognised the academy's success ranking it in the nation's top 100 fastest-growing private companies.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPORT AWARD
Prospero Promotions Pty Ltd
Prospero Promotions has shot video and film in some extraordinary locations - aboard oilrigs, on desert islands, in the Antarctic and tropical rainforests. This intrepid film maker has brought many important and compelling stories to the small screen, establishing itself as a leading independent producer of documentary films enjoyed by viewers around the world.
REGIONAL EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd
Mt Romance made a careful study of world buyers and competitors and came up with a number of opportunities to place its sandalwood oil products at the leading edge. Volume of production, quality, environmental sustainability and customer focus are the key advantages which have helped the company achieve 100 per cent growth per annum in export sales for the past three years. From Albany to Paris, the company has achieved big sales to the world's top fragrance houses and locally has enhanced the tourism scene with its popular sandalwood factory, wine cellar and restaurant.
The Industry and Export Awards has been sponsored by Austal Ships, Austrade, Bankwest, Department of Industry and Technology, Ernst and Young, Export Solutions, Sun Microsystems Australia and The West Australian Newspapers.
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