The annual Telstra Business Awards, hosted by QT Hotel, was a luminous event for the who’s who of Canberra business.
With five award categories to be decided there was high tension in the air as finalists nervously awaited the results. Andrew Daddo hosted the evening and helped to lighten the mood with his off-screen charm as the night proceeded towards the final award
26 year old Brad Smith, founder of Braaap, opened the night by sharing his story of bringing more affordable motorbikes to the people and giving kids a natural adrenalin rush, keeping them away from drugs. Brad shared his key secret to business which is the three P’s. No not product, promotion and pricing but persistence, persistence, persistence.
ACT business of the year went to IT firm Intelledox, founded in 1992, by ANU science graduates Phillip Williamson and Michelle Melbourne. The software they created helps business digitise office paperwork. The business has experienced rapid international expansion from its small base in Fyshwick, with 35 staff now based in offices in Singapore, Toronto and last year opened offices in New York and London. Intelledox also took out Medium Business of the year.
Micro-business of the year went to Karen Porter’s green business Solace Creations who specialises in double glazed windows for new and existing properties. Karen’s goal is to raise the energy efficiency of older properties and set a bench mark for new homes being built.
The Start-up award was taken out by Richard Brown of Cogito Group. Cogito provides digital security systems for both private and public sector. Cogito recognised a gap in the market and has grown to 10 staff sine it was founded in 2011.
Small business is always a highly competitive field but was snatched by Peter and Brendan McCoullough from Today’s Homes. Telstra Judges said Today’s Homes has an outstanding team approach and was committed to using systems and processes that raise the industry standard and improve customer experience in an industry where reputations vary.
All in all it was a brilliant night and I left feeling very inspiring to see humble businesses from Canberra out competing on the international stage.
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