The winners of the 2014 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards were announced and celebrated in style at an Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday 12th July.

There were 13 categories focussing on areas such as branding & marketing, business systems, workforce training and development, customer service, innovation, entrepreneurship, workplace health and safety, and sustainability. Three major award winners were also recognised for their contribution to the Lake Macquarie Community as individuals and businesses.

Business Growth Centre Manager, Brett Gleeson was extremely pleased with the results.

“In its third year, the Awards have demonstrated that there are many businesses in Lake Macquarie who aspire to and have achieved excellence. The Gala Dinner is a celebration of these achievements and it was certainly pleasing to see so many business people come together to support their colleagues.”

The winners represent a range of business sizes, from small businesses like Woohoo Salon to larger sized businesses like Charlestown Square. The awards demonstrate that smaller business can compete with bigger businesses because the Award categories are structured around business functions.

Winners took home a share of a $56,000 prize pool which included advertising packages from 2HD and Newcastle Herald, cash contributions from Delta Electricity, specialised services, advice and coaching from businesses and groups including Turnbull Hill Lawyers, PDH Accounting Services, CCS Corporation, Aspire Training, DFK Crosbie, Evolution Business Advisers, Supply Connect, Your Business Connections and State Training Services as well as an accommodation package from Tuscany Wine Estate.