Companies ready for first State award

A grand line-up of award-winning businesses are determined to put an end to Broome’s winless streak at an upcoming annual State event.

Nominees for next month’s WA Regional Small Business Awards were announced a fortnight ago, with the Kimberley town boasting five finalists across separate categories, all of which were big winners at the local variant in June.

No Broome entry has ever won a State award, but these organisations are ready to see that change.

Life and Soul, Footprint Cleaning, Hydrokleen, Optimise HR Consulting and Kullarri Building representatives will fly down to Perth for the gala evening on November 10, each wanting to get their hands on a gong.

Although they’re aiming high, all five businesses said attending the ceremony would have benefits for their organisations.

Life and Soul regional manager Thomas Cobern said recognition was an honour in itself.

“To be acknowledged in the community and now Statewide feels like a great reward for our staff and the effort they put in,” he said.

Kullarri Building chief executive Jeffrey White said he looked forward to developing relationships with similar organisations.

Optimise HR Consulting boss Catherine Tribble said she was also eager to network and see how similar businesses tackled regional challenges.

Footprint Cleaning managing director Aaron Ryan described the nomination as exciting and humbling.

The regional event is nothing new for Hydrokleen owner Peter Jenkinson, who has won the Broome franchise business award four years in a row, but never made it onto the big stage.

Mr Jenkinson said he was hopeful 2017 could be his year.

“This would be my first win and who knows what could happen?” he said. “But if I don’t, it’s terrific for brand recognition and helping the company to grow.

“I’ve experienced the difference these awards can create for a business.”

Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Jael Napper said the regional awards offered a magnificent opportunity for nominees.

“Being nominated gives these companies great exposure and the confidence to look at expanding their enterprises,” she said.

“They have shown hard work and determination and I congratulate them on their efforts for getting to this point.”