Whiteley Corporation were winners twice over at this year’s Business Hunter Awards, held in September, taking home the Excellence in International Business Award and Business of the Year Award. 

Held annually for more than 40 years, the Business Hunter Awards acknowledge individuals and organisations that have made a remarkable impact on the region’s business landscape. While Whiteley has won other awards over the years, this was the first time they have snagged the biggest prize.

Bob Hawes, Business Hunter CEO, said there were tight margins in many of the categories this year, so all finalists and award winners should be proud of their efforts.

“These awards celebrate individuals who have set new standards of excellence with their remarkable contributions,” Hawes said. 

“The outstanding finalists and winners tonight demonstrate that we are heading towards an exceptionally promising and dynamic future.”

Darran Leyden, managing director for Whiteley, said that winning the Excellence in International Business Award seemed appropriate as neither he nor executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley were in the country for the awards ceremony.

“Greg and myself were in the US working on some major projects for the company when we got the fantastic news that we had won the award,” Leyden said.

The awards were accepted at September’s gala event by Brooke Cavanagh, chief financial officer at Whiteley, who recognised the work of her team and the business’ commitment to growth.

“Whiteley have an amazing team that bend over backwards to work through a variety of challenges for our export (and domestic) customers so this is a great award that recognises the hard work of our staff across the company,” Leyden said.

This year’s awards featured 127 finalists across 21 categories, including Excellence in Innovation, Outstanding New Business and the prestigious Business of the Year.

Leyden said Whiteley was especially delighted to win the Business of The Year Award as it reflected a “get the job done” attitude as the company continues to expand business opportunities across both at home and internationally.

Mr Hawes said the awards were an important opportunity for celebration and reflection, at a time when many businesses across many sectors were facing a range of operating challenges.

“It’s encouraging to see so many businesses thriving and sharing their success, despite these tough operating conditions,” Hawes said. 

“Tonight was an opportunity to come together as a community to connect, celebrate and reflect on all the challenges and opportunities that come our way.”