UNE SRI community features strongly at Business Awards

The University of New England SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) community has featured strongly at the New England North West 2021 Business Awards.

“The awards attracted a large number of high calibre entries,” said Dr Lou Conway, UNE SRI Director.

“It is a fantastic showcase of some the many great businesses in our region and we would like to congratulate all of the finalists. “ 

“Last Friday, seven awards were presented to UNE SRI Founders who won their categories.”

Congratulations to these winners of the following categories:

·       Business of the Year: Penny Crawford, Crawford Boots

·       Excellence in MicroBusiness: Penny Crawford, Crawford Boots

·       Outstanding Business Leader: Penny Crawford, Crawford Boots

·       Outstanding Employees: Mikala Ellis, BirthBeat

·       Outstanding Employer of Choice: Shonelle Gleeson-Willey, Moss Environmental

·       Excellence in Export:  Dr Nerida Richards, FeedXL

·       Outstanding Startup: Anna Barwick, PharmOnline

Winners from the regional awards will compete against businesses from across New South Wales at the State Business Awards to be held on 26 November 2021.

Penny Crawford, Crawford Boots was presented with three awards at the New England North West 2021 Business Awards

“While it is thrilling to see UNE SRI Founders achieve this success, it is also pleasing that the field is so strong in this region,” said Dr Conway.

“I am not surprised that each of the categories was hotly contested!

“By entering the competition, businesses have had a useful opportunity to reflect on their goals, and consider what will enable them to succeed and grow. Congratulations to everyone who entered.”

Finalists at the awards included the following businesses who are each building their businesses with UNE SRI:

• Outstanding Employees:

  • Mikala Ellis, BirthBeat

• Outstanding Young Business Leader:

  • Anna Barwick, PharmOnline

• Outstanding Business Leader:                  

  • Penny Crawford, Crawford Boots

  • Shonelle Gleeson-Willey, Moss Environmental

  • Tara Toomey, Seasons of New England

• Excellence in MicroBusiness:

  • Crawford Boots

  • CroppaCo

  • Jessica Bradbury Journalism and Photography

• Excellence in Export:

  • FeedXL

• Employer of Choice:

  • Moss Environmental

• Excellence in Innovation:

  • CroppaCo

  • DroneLogBook Australia

  • Optiweigh

• Outstanding Startup:

  • Optiweigh

  • PharmOnline

  • Zondii