The achievements of twenty-five local businesses have seen them recognised as finalists in the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards and they will battle it out for the title of 2016 ACT Exporter of the Year later this month.
Exports from the ACT have grown steadily and today there are a large number of local businesses doing extremely well overseas. These awards honour companies making a name for themselves, and our region, on the world stage.
Finalists in 13 categories were unveiled in September at a cocktail event at Vibe Hotel. Winners in each of the national categories will represent their business, and the Canberra Region, at the Australian Export Awards later this year.
The awards highlight how strong the local businesses sector is and how much demand there is for the excellent goods and services produced in the Canberra Region.
Each year the number of entrants in the Awards increases, reflecting the growing number of successful local exporters.
For example, one finalist – Bottles of Australia – currently exports to 22 countries, including the United States, Canada, Russia, South Korea, France and Germany.
“People sometimes question a global-brand being based in Canberra, but the region has most definitely contributed to our success,” Bottles of Australia (BoA) Director, Anton Pemmer said.
ACT-based iSimulate, also a finalist, has developed iPad simulation technology to assist in the delivery of Advanced Life Support training to the medical field without the cost of expensive equipment. This technology enhances training by providing practical experience through simulated medical scenarios. iSimulate currently exports to 10 countries.
An interest in improving athletic performance lies behind the development of local company Kinetic Performance’s flagship product, GymAware.
GymAware was developed in response to the need for an accurate measurement device for the weights room. GymAware is a system designed specifically for measuring bar speed and athlete performance. It provides real-time feedback, ensuring that it is easy to measure progress, motivate athletes and train for performance. The system utilises an innovative iOS App and cloud-based subscription software.
GymAware experienced a 43% growth in export sales for 2015-16. Many professional sports teams, leading sports institutes and universities across the world currently benefit from using GymAware. Customers include the New Zealand All Blacks, Manchester United and the Australian Institute of Sport.
Anyone who enjoys a special culinary treat from time to time is probably already aware of Patissez – home of the famed Freakshakes.
Patissez, a young but burgeoning, franchised restaurant chain, was established in June 2015. It has recently opened new, franchised locations in Singapore and Kula Lumpur, with both new stores maintaining the same characteristics of the initial Canberra store.
Congratulations to all the finalists and good luck for the Awards night!
ACT Categories
| Exporting Government Solutions |
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| Exporting to Asia |
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| Emerging Exporter Category |
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National Categories
| Agribusiness |
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| Business Services |
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| Creative Industries |
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| Education and Training |
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| Health and Biotechnology |
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| Digital Technologies |
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| Manufacturing |
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| e-Commerce |
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| Regional Exporter |
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| Small Business |
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2016 Annual Gala Dinner
Join us at this year’s Annual Gala Dinner to celebrate the business achievements of the Canberra Region over the past year. Hear from Daniel Flynn, one of Australia’s most innovative and inspiring social entrepreneurs and co-founder of Thank you Water.
DATE: Thursday 27 October 2016
TIME: 7:00pm to 10:30pm
VENUE: The Ballroom, National Convention Centre, Canberra
To register, visit
www.canberrabusiness.com
Robyn Hendry, CEO
Canberra Business Chamber
