The annual Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2024 are open for applications.
Queensland’s highest export honour acknowledges the innovation, passion, creativity and determination of the state’s most dynamic exporting businesses.
Trade and Investment Queensland chief executive officer, Justin McGowan, called on Queenslanders to enter the awards during a visit to the Brisbane offices of 2023 dual category award winners, Qlicksmart.
Qlicksmart, based in West End in inner Brisbane, are the current holders of the International Health category and the Women in International Business award, presented to the company’s General Manager, Dr Chamindika Konara.
The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards boasts 15 categories including two which are state specific. The Women in International Business and First Nations awards celebrate groundbreaking Queenslanders driving significant business success overseas.
For the finalists and winners, the Awards present an opportunity to promote their team’s success as well as open new opportunities, access new networks, and help the business reach its full potential.
Applications for the Premier of Queensland Export Awards 2024 are open until 14 June, with finalists announced in July.
The winners of each category, along with Queensland’s Exporter of the Year, will be announced in Brisbane at an awards dinner on 4 September, 2024. Winners will progress to represent the state at the Australian Export Awards later in the year in Canberra.
Virtual workshop recording to support and guide companies through the application process are published on the Export Awards website at www.tiq.qld.gov.au/queensland-business/premier-of-queensland-s-export-awards.
TIQ is striving to attract record level entries in the categories of Creative Industries, eCommerce, First Nations, International Health, Professional Services, Resources and Energy, and Sustainability and Green Economy.
Trade and Investment Queensland chief executive officer Justin McGowan said, “Export unquestionably drives Queensland’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year while supporting one in five jobs.“
“The talent and quality of Queensland businesses are world class, driving a growing demand for products and services, and positioning our state as a source of excellence globally.
“It’s appropriate we announce the opening of applications for this year’s Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards at an extraordinary Brisbane company, Qlicksmart.
“Trade and Investment Queensland has been supporting Qlicksmart on their export journey, with their innovative safety medical devices – now exported to 50 countries.
“This year we are hoping to drive more applications than ever, and looking for more companies from Queensland’s regions, which is why we’ve introduced application workshops.
“The friendly team at Trade and Investment Queensland is on standby to help guide companies through the application process.
“We are repeatedly told that participating in the Export Awards has given Queensland businesses great credibility and increased credentials to help expand their global footprint.”
Qlicksmart general manager Dr Chamindika Konara said, “Winning the International Health category at the 2023 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards has had significant impact on Qlicksmart’s business overall.“
“It’s not only a recognition of our company’s commitment to improving medical safety around the world, but also a recognition of our entire team’s contribution to our success.
“It was such an honour to also receive the 2023 International Women in Business award, an enormous acknowledgement of the great work that women in Queensland do in the medical field around the world. It’s also commendable that TIQ and the Export Awards recognise the achievements and contribution of our first nations community and women to this important sector.
“Qlicksmart collaborates closely with several TIQ offices around the world, including TIQ North America, TIQ UK, TIQ Vietnam, TIQ LATAM, and TIQ China, to expand and grow our market reach.
“Receiving such prestigious industry accolades has provided impressive credibility to our business overseas. With the valuable support and guidance of Trade and Investment Queensland, we look forward to more great success.
“I would encourage all Queensland exporters, no matter what their size or location, to participate in this exceptional awards program.”
Qlicksmart co-founder Dr Michael Sinnott said, “Working closely with TIQ has both fast-tracked our entry into new markets and help us grow sales in our already established markets.“
“This has been achieved with a mixture of direct and indirect support including the establishment of high-level meetings to support our advocacy work to promote the importance of staff safety in improving patient safety.”
In 2023, Qlicksmart was awarded the Premier of Queensland’s Export Award in International Health, recognising their work supporting safety worldwide. To learn more about Qlicksmart, visit qlicksmart.com
