Time is running out to nominate in Brisbane's most prestigious business awards.
Nominations for the 2016 Lord Mayor's Business Awards close on 22 July and anyone considering nominating is urged to throw their hat in the ring before it's too late.
Now in their 11th year, the prestigious awards are expected to attract strong representation in each category as they celebrate the achievements and contribution made by the local business community to Brisbane's economy.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the awards highlighted why an increasing number of decision-makers worldwide were choosing Brisbane for business, investment, study and conventions.
"By celebrating the excellence, success and innovation of the Brisbane business community, we are promoting Brisbane as an ideal city to invest, expand and most importantly, live," Cr Quirk said.
"Our businesses are pivotal in generating economic activity which has led to an increasing number of international decision-makers choosing Brisbane for business, investment, study and conventions.
"The Lord Mayor's Business Awards identify the success stories in the city's key growth sectors, including knowledge-based services, creative and digital, the visitor economy, advanced manufacturing and food and agribusiness.
"These are the areas identified by the Brisbane 2022 New World City Action Plan as sectors which will help drive Brisbane's economic growth for the next seven to 10 years and beyond."
Cr Quirk said he was hoping to see more nominations from emerging small-to-medium businesses that are contributing to the success of Brisbane's business economy.
"I encourage all Brisbane businesses to enter this year's awards so we can honour their role in making Brisbane what it is today; a city internationally recognised for its depth of innovative and fresh, original talent," he said.
Scott Young, Managing Director of Young Guns Container Crew, won last year's Singapore Airlines Award for Young Business Person of the Year, with his significant success benefiting both the company and the city of Brisbane.
"Young Guns is a family-owned business underpinned by strong family values. We are passionate about investing in our people, and through our people a quality service is delivered," he said.
In 2015, Young Guns won the Supply Nation Certified Supplier of the Year award for strengthening supplier diversity and the company is also a proud supporter of youth development and a community champion for RU OK? Day.
"Winning the award is recognition for my great team who have all worked so hard to build a successful business," Mr Young said.
"From when my brother and I started the business in 2004, when I was 22 years old, and to reflect on how the business has developed into something truly special – it is a great feeling. I hope this will inspire other young people to get out there and give it a go."
The 2016 winners will be announced at the gala dinner on Friday 28 October, where they will join LMBA winners from past years.
The 11th anniversary 2016 Lord Mayor's Business Awards categories and sponsors are:
Australia TradeCoast Award for Small Business Growth: Companies that display significant growth in terms of revenue, market share, employment and/or size.
Brisbane Times Award for Business Innovation: Companies that demonstrate innovation and competitiveness in the national or global market, regardless of company size.
ISPT Award for Digital Strategy: Companies demonstrating the most significant advancements achieved in their business using digital technology.
Port of Brisbane Award for New Investment: Companies that established new divisions or projects in Brisbane during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years.
Clayton Utz Award for Corporate Citizenship: Companies that demonstrate leadership and excellence across triple bottom-line criteria – economic, social and environmental performance – as well as demonstrating leadership in the development of their people including staff development, incentives and work/life balance.
ANZ Made in Brisbane Award for High-Growth Business Start-Up: High growth-potential start-up companies that are tackling global markets and are aiming to achieve rapid growth through technological or business model innovation.
Energex Award for Sustainability in Business: Companies operating in Brisbane that demonstrate excellence in green business practices and sustainable energy use. Nominations may be for a single initiative or an overall strategy within a company.
HSBC Award for Doing Business in Asia: Recognition of outstanding performance in building trade between Brisbane and Asia in service, manufacturing or value-added industries.
Singapore Airlines Award for Young Business Person of the Year: Individuals who are 35 years and under, and who have had significant success benefiting both their company and the city of Brisbane.
Channel 7 Business Person of the Year: Individuals who have had outstanding achievement and contribution to Brisbane business.
Optus Business Platinum Award: For outstanding business contribution in 2015/16 – is awarded to the most outstanding category winner.
Key dates:
- Wednesday 18 May - Nominations open
- Friday 22 July - Nominations close at 5pm
- Early September - Finalists announced
- Friday 28 October - Gala Dinner and winners announced
