The Business NSW Awards have recognised the state’s most creative and forward-thinking businesses. 

Finalists from a diverse range of sectors — from construction in Ulladulla to a winery in Berry and a tourism company in Jindabyne — gathered at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday night.  

They were joined by Premier Chris Minns, Small Business Minister Steve Kamper, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and the who’s who from the state’s business community.   

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the awards were more than just a celebration of success; they highlighted the incredible resilience of businesses navigating a challenging landscape. 

“In the face of adversity, our finalists have demonstrated that resilience and innovation go hand in hand,” he said.  

“2024 has tested our businesses with rising costs, staff shortages, red tape, and high interest rates. Yet, our winners are not just surviving; they are thriving and setting new benchmarks in excellence. 

“The Business NSW Awards really are the Oscars of Business, so it is only very fitting that the best of the best in business get to stroll the red carpet and enjoy the spotlight on them.”   

This year’s coveted Business of the Year award went to Whitely Manufacturing Facility in the Hunter, which was also recognised for its Excellence in International Business.  

Other standout winners included: 

• Cumulus Visual Effects in Ballina for Excellence in Large Business 
• Ladbroken Distilling Co in Tumbarumba for Excellence in Micro Business, and  
• SAPHI Engineering in Mayfield West for Excellence in Small Business. 

Mr Hunter praised the incredible talent found in the state’s regional areas. 

“The resilience of our state’s 865,000-plus businesses is especially commendable as they tackle rising insurance costs, energy challenges, and the complexities of the housing crisis,” Mr Hunter said. 

“This year’s awards highlight that, despite challenges, innovation is alive and well throughout NSW.” 

2024 NSW BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS 

Business of the Year - Whiteley, Tomago (Hunter)  

Employer of Choice - 20 Employees and Under:  Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie 

Employer of Choice - 21 Employees and Over: Zauner Construction, Ulladulla  

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Social Futures, Lismore, Northern Rivers  

Excellence in Innovation: Hyphen Health, Thornton (Hunter) 

Excellence in International Business: Whiteley, Tomago (Hunter) 

Excellence in Large Business: Cumulus Visual Effects, Ballina 

Excellence in Micro Business: Ladbroken Distilling Co, Tumbarumba (Riverina Murray)  

Excellence in Small Business: SAPHI Engineering, Mayfield West (Hunter) 

Excellence in Sustainability: Silos Estate, Berry 

Outstanding Business Leader - 20 Employees and Under: Stacey Morgan, Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Port Macquarie  

Outstanding Business Leader - 21 Employees and Over: Michael Hampson, Norco Co-operative, Lismore 

Outstanding Community Organisation: Marathon Health, Bathurst 

Outstanding Employee: Alan Nye, The Physio Movement, Woolgoolga (Mid North Coast) 

Outstanding Local Chamber: Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, Northern Rivers  

Outstanding New Business: Curezma Pharmaceutical Solutions Pty Ltd, North Sydney  

Outstanding Young Business Leader: Jack Dinnie, Bumpy Road Catering Events, Bangalee (Illawarra)  

Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the NSW Tourism Industry: Janet Mackay, TRC Tourism, Jindabyne 

Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: Sydney By Kayak, Sydney 

Outstanding 24-Hour Economy Collaboration: ‘Origami Folding Light & Sound Festival’ 

FunHaus Factory, Gosford 

Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration: The Big Chill Festival, Armidale Regional Council, Armidale 

Outstanding Visitor Experience: Potager, Carool (Northern Rivers) 

 About Business NSW  

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826. We represent almost 50,000 businesses. 

MEDIA CONTACT: BEN PIKE – 0429 993 822