Lake Macquarie’s business growth forged ahead despite the COVID-19 pandemic, new figures reveal, as the city prepares to recognise its best and brightest in the commercial sector.

The number of registered businesses grew from 12,571 in June 2020 to 13,113 in June 2021, with the number of businesses with a $10 million-plus annual turnover also increasing, from 94 to 112.

“The pandemic has presented an enormous challenge for many businesses in our community, but for others it has been a chance to consolidate or grow,” Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said.

“This year’s Lake Mac Business Excellence Awards will recognise the city’s top performers across 14 categories, from micro business to companies excelling in sustainability and innovation.”

Lake Macquarie City Council data shows the construction and retail industries continued to grow throughout the pandemic.

So too did the hospitality sector, despite the significant impact of lockdowns and other COVID-related restrictions.

“We know how hard business owners and employees have worked over the past 12 months, and how quickly they have adapted, and our annual business awards help shine a light on those efforts,” Cr Fraser said.

Entries to this year’s awards are open 13 May-6 June. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Friday 29 July, with winners progressing to the Hunter Business Awards.

This year’s awards feature a new category – Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, recognising businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

And for the first time, Dantia, the city’s economic development company, will provide in-person and online support for all award applicants, including training sessions to help with application writing and walkthroughs of the application portal.

“Businesses can go in and sit with a member of the Dantia team to complete their online application to give them the best chance of progressing,” Dantia CEO Josh Sattler said.

“We’re hoping this encourages more businesses to get involved and get recognised for the wonderful work they do in our city.”

Peter McCarthy, whose Precision Taxation, Accounting and Management took out the 2018 Lake Macquarie Business of the Year award, said the accolade helped his business grow and thrive.

“Just being in the competition spurs businesses on to excel and improve, ultimately benefiting our local economy and community,” he said.

Go to lakemac.com.au to apply for this year’s awards.

 

Lake Mac Business Excellence Awards 2022 categories

Outstanding Employee

Outstanding Young Business Leader

Outstanding Business Leader

Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality*

Employer of Choice

Excellence in Innovation

Excellence in Sustainability

Outstanding Community Organisation

Outstanding Start Up

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

Excellence in Micro Business

Excellence in Small Business

Excellence in Large Business

Business of the Year*

*these awards are for Lake Macquarie only