Business innovation rewarded

The South West Development Commission has partnered with the South West Business Awards in a new sponsorship of the Innovation Award.

Acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball said the commission had been a long time supporter of the awards and was committed to recognising business excellence.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to champion innovation in business through our sponsorship of the Innovation Award, which is one of the Judges’ Choice Awards,” she said.

This year’s awards have been expanded to include not only small business around Bunbury, but medium businesses from anywhere in the South West.

Business South West marketing and projects officer Shannon Gale said it was a major focus of this year’s awards to expand their reach throughout the region.

“We’re looking for businesses from across the South West, be they based in Harvey, Collie, Capel, Manjimup, Greenbushes-Bridgetown, Boyup Brook, Nannup, Dardanup, Donnybrook-Balingup, Augusta-Margaret River, Busselton or Bunbury,” she said.

“It’s looking to be an exciting year for the awards, celebrating our 25th anniversary and increasing our spread to include medium-size businesses with up to 100 employees.

“Business South West are not-profit-making so the awards are run out of love.”

Finalists are set to be announced in the middle of May before the winners are announced and presented at a gala event at the end of June.

Applications for the awards close on April 30.