The 29th Sunshine Coast Business Awards 2024 held at Twin Waters Resort on Saturday night shared all the glamour while celebrating the hard work of many local businesses.
A major highlight on the Coast calendar resembling The Logies, Emcee Shane Jacobson brought the house down with laughter for the third year in a row.
But there could only be one to win this prestigious accolade.
As the drum was rolling, over 850 guests awaited in suspense before Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli announced the winner, following presentations of various category winners.
“Ladies and Gentlemen! The winner of the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business of the Year is Advanced Aquarium Technologies!”
The winning business based at Kunda Park is an international success story, with over 100 aquarium projects in over 30 cities, enthralling global audiences.
Making a significant point during his acceptance speech, Advanced Aquarium Technologies’ chief operating officer Tim Eldridge, received the Export award, on business owner John Langmead’s behalf, with honour.
“We work so hard, literally around the clock. Every Monday morning, we have a Status Report Meeting, and we globe trot from country to country as we look at all the projects that we’ve got around the world. And we have people on that call from all over the world and the sun literally never sets on their work, ” Mr Eldridge said.
“And it really is proof that you can do international work from here, and you can be a leader in an international industry from this part of the world. It really is a joy to be part of it. It is very exciting and interesting work every single day. So, thank you again for this award. We really appreciate it.”
Advanced Aquarium Technologies had already won in two categories,
Building and Construction, and Export, shortly before winning the prestigious award for innovation, integrity, sustainability, and outstanding business acumen.
In recent years the company won five Sunshine Coast Business Awards, including Overall Business of The Year in 2021.
Small business winners from the Noosa Shire included:
Glen Eden Beach Resort in the Accommodation category, Laguna Pest Control in the Trades and Services category, Noosa4Sale in the Business Services category, and Activate Body – Physio, Health and Fitness, in the Health and Wellness category.
The Hall of Inductees nominees were White’s IGA, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Aussie Tiny Houses and Stymie.
239 applications were assessed to reach the finalist benchmark, following 130 interviews, which demonstrates the invaluable voluntary work conducted by both the Awards Committee and the Judges.
For more information on other winners, log onto: sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
