Local businesses shine at awards

Vision and commitment among Kimberley businesses were rewarded last week during the Kimberley Small Business Awards, presented in Derby.

Organiser Ross Sullivan of the Small Business Centre Derby said it was great to see the winners, who had first won categories in their individual town’s business awards, acknowledged.

“The awards have recognised businesses which show a genuine commitment to providing outstanding products and services, as well as demonstrating their sustainable future visions,” he said.

“Though not necessarily about bottom lines and assets, these businesses show there are strong opportunities in the Kimberley to create something that contributes to the community and supports a lifestyle at the same time.”

Broome-based business Hydrokleen won both best franchise business and overall best Kimberley business.

Peter and Karen Jenkinson have run the franchise in the Kimberley and the Pilbara for just on 12 months and said the award was a very pleasant surprise.

“It was huge for us and our company to be recognized so soon in the piece by the business community,” Mr Jenkinson said.

“It was a huge surprise to me, especially to get the overall winner, I thought we were just lucky enough to pick up the Broome one.”

Broome coffee business Mollie Bean won the small business achiever award.

Broome Auto Excellence won best business with 6-10 employees and Derby Auto Electrical and Air-Conditioning won best business with 1-5 employees. Derby’s Tyre Power won best indigenous business.

Kununurra’s Baby Gecko won best home-based business and Shoal Air won best business with 11-20 employees.