The Localink Armadale Business Development Award Pioneer Village School

A genuinely committed, non denominational private school where parents, teachers and students alike share a deep sense of pride and ownership in their establishment.

Having survived near collapse and through pure persistence this school has become a vibrant, growing and financially healthy organisation which is expanding at a rate of 50 students per year

This truly alternative private school is heading towards a K 12 college and continues to pioneer school development in Armadale – congratulations Pioneer Village School

Terri Billington Award of Business Achievement Gelare International

In 1987 Farid Torabi set up a niche business providing ultra premium ice-cream, today boasting 30 flavours of ice-cream, sorbet and frozen yoghurt free of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Significant customer base, comprehensive franchisee training, monitoring and rigid quality controls have been instruments of its growth.

Gelare International enjoys a positive trend in the acceptance of its products with franchises operating in Hong Kong and Melbourne and further stores opening throughout Australia, China and Malaysia

Born in WA and growing internationally – an easy to operate franchise concept and an exceptional winner. Freezing out the competition, congratulations Gelare International

City of Canning Award of Business Excellence Dependable Laundry

The Worthingtons took over this business in 2006 to be a prime provider of 'Laundry Solutions' in WA and the Northern Territory.

Sole providers of the famous brand Maytag, they deliver reliable and dependable laundry work, excellent inservice and boasting a 5 year parts guarantee.

Retention of clients during the GFC, a new larger facility and a focus on staff training and retention is why they are so dependable. The solution is a clear winner! Congratulations Dependable Laundry Solutions!

City of Gosnells Award of Business Excellence DOME Canning Vale

The coffee kings – Beaver and Barber set up their first Dome Cafe franchise in Gosnells and, delivering greatness in their premiere year, they boast the best of Dome Cafes in WA. Through their Gosnells experience they headed north and now have conquered Geraldton opening another cafe just three weeks ago.

With the lowest staff turnover of any of the Dome Cafes, record mother day takings two years in a row worldwide, the best quality product – above and beyond the usual Dome Standard – Beaver and Barber take the beans beyond brilliant! Congratulations Dome Canning Vale!

Town of Victoria Park Award of Business Excellence SJ Electrics (WA) Pty Ltd

Originally born in 1997 to provide electrical contracting services to the commercial and industrial sectors in WA, SJ Electrics after being bought out by Jason Grant in 2005 has certainly expanded. Its services now include specialized electrical contracting, refrigeration, electrical mech and switchboard manufacturing. It has expanded into oil and gas mining, water treatment and offering a 24 hour service has grown from 8 employees to 75 employees of which 20 are apprentices.

Their mission is to keep adding to their diverse range of products, being high voltage, high-end efficient and renewable energy.

A high voltage company powering ahead in the electrical industry – SJ Electrics (WA)!!

City of South Perth Award of Business Excellence SIDS and Kids WA

From a humble kitchen table of parents in 1979 questioning the sudden death of their babies, now boasting a high profile well respected charity saving babies' lives.

Its mission is to educate parents to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and it has expanded its service through to a 24hr bereavement support line and national research into stillbirth, community communication, research and dedication to people makes SIDS and Kids a heartfelt winner.

City of Perth Award of Business Excellence Momentum Wealth

An average accountant realising that the money was in property dumped his carea to become a full time property developer.

Learning that the information and resources for the general public to become successfully involved in property was not available, he discovered that buyers were left in the dark with no representation.

Damian Collins' company Momentum Wealth set out to help the buyer. Creating long term relationships and with clients, education, integrity and results have become an excellent business model and plans for future growth include staff expansion and new offices across Australia.

26 staff and in excess of three million turnover in less than four years shows that the transfer of knowledge does indeed create big business!

Keep up the momentum, congratulations Momentum Wealth!!

The Small Business Development Corporation Best Home Based Business Award Bennu International

A commercial boutique private health service providing massive support for those who are often forgotten, this one man band lady entrepreneur is dedicated to providing financially and environmentally suitable living options for people with acquired disability.

Taking disability and focussing on ability, with 25 years experience, this gem of a lady has created a unique service beyond our borders – internationally.

Jan Bishop – Congratulations and keep up the wonderful work. Well done Bennu International!

Business Growth Centre Business Development Award Office Comforts

A one stop shop for all office furniture requirements. Not only stocking a massive range of stylish corporate furniture on the showroom floor but custom making furniture to any task in their factory – no job is too big or small and their range of choice and colours are second to none. Customers may purchase one desk or chair to whole fit outs for their businesses.

Since purchasing this previously struggling business only two years ago, owners Keith, Craig and Nigel Edson have rebuilt it by working on key business strategies to succeed and by ensuring a better customer experience – they pride themselves on being 'everyone's mate'.

A comfortable winner – Office Comforts!

Curtin Business School Award of Business Excellence & Innovation Jimmy Deans Diner

Hollywood in WA – bringing another well-priced family dining experience to Perth, an entrepreneurial pair, Susan Muir and Les Stone recognised a niche market. Working in three locations setting up initially in 1995 and now franchising, this modern concept is now in continuous growth mode selling fun in a movie and music atmosphere.

Quality food, great customer service, ongoing regular specials and a fantastic franchise formula that works – congrations to a formidable family fun factory, a star in the making – Jimmy Deans Diner!

Bartercard Gold Award of Excellence Webarena

Trevor Kennedy and Steven Donald sold their business to iinet in 2000 to build a custom software and web development service. It became evident to them that the traditional web development process was ineffective. The development of their 'cloud system', allows for the delivery of web solutions specific to the SME web market in a quarter of the time and at 25 per cent of the normal costs.

Growth of 250% each year reflects their value for money, core standardisation, speed of delivery and customer service with the business expanding into international markets delivering products and support via internet video and voip.

An incredible arena of web systems shows what WA can do in the field of IT! Congratulations Webarena!

Local Chambers Business Person of the Year Brett Waterman

A man of massive passion, high motivation and commitment, permanently criss-crossing Australia to provide huge service for his clients.

After entering the insurance industry in 1981 and gaining extensive experience handling insurance programs of corporate international companies, he joined Western United Financial Services in 1992 in Adelaide, transferred to Perth in 1996 and gained directorship in 1998.

He now has purchased controlling interest and a dedicated hard worker totally committed to his craft is well deserved of our business person of the year and entry into Local Chambers Hall of fame.

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the Local Chambers Business Person of the Year – Brett Waterman