Melbourne’s northern businesses celebrated in NBAA finale

Government, education, health and industry recognise business excellence at 2019 Northern Business Achievement Awards.

NORTH Link and partners hosted the 2019 Northern Business Achievement Awards Grand Finale Breakfast on Thursday 5 December at Mantra Bell City Hotel. Industry leaders and mayors from six municipalities in Melbourne’s north attended the event that recognise achievements of SMEs from the region.

Thomastown cheese producer, That’s Amore Cheese, was awarded Business of the Year, while 12 more awards were handed to businesses who demonstrated business excellence, growth and competitiveness.

That’s Amore Cheese has received industry support through Melbourne’s North Food Group. Managed by NORTH Link, MNFG provides the food and beverage industry with domestic and international opportunities while helping to build business capabilities.

Chris James, Executive Director NORTH Link said “The 2019 NBAA Grand Finale again showcased the best that Melbourne’s north industry has to offer and highlighted the growth and innovation occurring in the north. I congratulate the winners and all nominees on their achievements”.

Over 200 business people attended the breakfast and were treated to a stimulating and humorous key note speech from actor and comedian Denise Scott.

Other winners included:

• Business of the Year – That’s Amore Cheese
• Customer Service Award – That’s Amore Cheese
• Human Resources Award – Brite
• Innovation & Enterprise Award – LimeLite
• Export Award – Naturally Good Products
• Sustainability & Environment Award – Hot Coals Catering
• Industry Education Engagement Award – Transit Dance
• Workplace Diversity Award – Chancez Cafes by Araluen
• Philanthropy and Community Service Award – Spark Health
• Best Start-Up or Microbusiness Award – Bio2Lab
• Outstanding Initiative in Manufacturing Award – Hawkers Beer
• Technology Innovation Award – Combo
• Chair’s Award – Omnitech Playgrounds

The awards align with NORTH Link’s drive for economic development, marketing and promotion of Melbourne’s north, by recognising local business achievement, encouraging innovation and providing valuable networks and opportunities for enterprise growth and development.

The NBAA was created by NORTH Link with initial funding from the Victorian Government and the support of the Cities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Moreland, Whittlesea and the Shire of Nillumbik.