June 2024
On Tuesday 18th June, CATO was honoured to have attended the NSW Business Awards ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall. The ceremony was attended by Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney among other distinguished guests to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Sydney’s most innovative business leaders.
CATO Location Services was nominated and named finalist within the Excellence in Large Business category. Alongside this, CATO Crew members were named finalists for three awards.
Celebrating our young leaders, Cealan Macdonnell and Anna Rosa were named finalists for Outstanding Young Business Leaders, highlighting their dedication, innovation and contributions to the business community.
In addition, CATO MD Kieran Cato was also nominated within the Outstanding Business Leader category for his contributions to the field.
On behalf of the CATO Crew, we extend and congratulate all nominees, finalists and winners across all categories. We’re looking forward to returning in 2025.
Read more about the 2024 business awards, including a compete list of finalists and winners below.
THE OSCARS OF SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATES SYDNEY’S BEST
Sydney’s most innovative business leaders have been celebrated at the 2024 Sydney Business Awards, with Northern Beaches, Alexandria and Sydney CBD businesses performing best.
Peak business organisation Business NSW and the City of Sydney hosted the gala event – dubbed the ‘Oscars of small business’ – at Sydney Town Hall Tuesday night.
The awards were attended by more than 400 people, including Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter commended the more than 170 businesses represented for their exceptional contributions to innovation, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and leadership.
“The Sydney Business Awards have demonstrated the hard work and successful entrepreneurial culture that defines our city, and it was a privilege to recognise local businesses achievements – whether micro, small or large – that contribute to our city’s growth and vitality,” Mr Hunter said.
“The importance of Awards can never be underestimated. 2024 continues to be a challenging time for many business owners, but through it all these Awards help shine a light on these businesses and their contribution to the local economy.”
Echoing this sentiment, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “Sydney’s businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, and shaping our city’s identity.
“I am committed to supporting and championing the growth of businesses in the city, ensuring Sydney remains a hub for commerce and creativity.”
Business of the Year went to The Whiskey Project Group. This veteran-owned Australian business was lauded for its work in developing operator-focused watercraft. The company’s rapid growth in technology, market focus, and export revenue within a short span of five years exemplified exceptional achievement.
Jodie Wainwright of Alexandria’s Milk Crate Theatre received the Outstanding Business Leader award (21+ employees) for her exceptional leadership at the intersection of arts, homelessness, disability, and mental health. Her strategic vision emphasised inclusivity, sustainability, and positive community change.
Meanwhile, Gina Yazbek, from Sydney CBD’s Commnia, was recognised for her visionary leadership in construction project management, notably for championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Ms Yazbek took out the Outstanding Business Leader (20 employees and under).
“These businesses and individuals set a high standard through their dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence,” Mr Hunter said.
“They not only elevate their own enterprises but also inspire others across Sydney and beyond.”
There were 193 entries this year, a 37% increase from 2023.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou congratulated the winners who represent Sydney’s leading businesses across financial and professional services, construction and development, health, education, arts, and culture, as well as technology.
“Congratulations to the winners whose achievements significantly contribute to Sydney’s economic, social, and cultural growth,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“As a global city, Sydney thrives on the successes of its diverse businesses, creating opportunities to invest, work, live or visit.
“These businesses and individuals enhance our city’s reputation and embody the spirit of innovation and progress.”
Award winners will now represent Sydney at the upcoming State Business Awards in October.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Whiskey Project Group, Belrose
EXCELLENCE IN MICRO BUSINESS
Little Ripples Wine, Manly
EXCELLENCE IN SMALL BUSINESS
Philosophy Australia, Willoughby
EXCELLENCE IN LARGE BUSINESS
Talentweb, Sydney CBD
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE
Samra Suljovic, Earlwood Dental Care
OUTSTANDING YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER
Jacob Muller, Workventures, Alexandria
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER (20 EMPLOYEES AND UNDER)
Gina Yazbek, Commnia, Sydney CBD
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER (21 EMPLOYEES AND OVER)
Jodie Wainwright, Milk Crate Theatre, Alexandria
OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS
Republic Building Corporation, Alexandria
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION
Cybermate, Paddington
EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
The Whiskey Project Group, Belrose
EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY
The Uniting Church in Australia, Sydney CBD
EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (20 EMPLOYEES AND UNDER)
Brother Nature Build, Brookvale
EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (21 EMPLOYEES AND OVER)
Bdo Group Holdings, Sydney CBD
EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The National Institute of Dramatic Art, Kensington
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Lifeline Australia, Sydney CBD
OUTSTANDING LOCAL CHAMBER
Sutherland Shire Business Chamber
Read the original press release here.
At this year’s 21st annual Screen Producers Australia (SPA) Awards, CATO Location Services was named Service and Facilities Business of the Year. The award was given in conjunction with Silver Trak Digital and announced on the final night of Screen Forever 37 on the Gold Coast. CATO is honoured to have been a member of SPA for the last six years.
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