Busy bus fleet feted at business awards
An Albany tourism business that has grown from one bus bought in a moment of inspiration to a fleet of more than 50 is the toast of the town after the Great Southern Business Awards.
The awards, presented by the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, were held at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Saturday night and opened by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
Busy Blue Bus Tours and Charters took home the top gong of Great Southern Business of the Year, while owner Susan McCabe was named Business Leader of the Year.
Ms McCabe said her business had grown in leaps and bounds since it was founded a decade ago.
“My business partner James in 2009 embarked on a journey across the nation for a bus,” she said.
“He said, ‘I’m just going looking’, and on the return journey he phoned me and said, ‘Can you go to the bank and sign some papers please?’
“I love to tell that story because it started with one bus and now we have, after 10 years, numerous buses around the State, a depot in Albany and a depot in Esperance.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.
“I’m so excited about the Amazing South Coast and what we have to offer in this region and I’m delighted to be able to offer it to visitors.”
In other major awards, Aaron Attwell from Xesiv Digital was named Young Business Person of the Year, and Rob Quayle from Wilson Brewing Company won the Employee of the Year award.
Ms McCabe said she was encouraged by the number of young people earning recognition
“Albany is a growing place in many, many ways. I’m excited to see so many young businesspeople come to the podium this evening and be recognised for their initiative, innovation and passion for the region,” she said.
“You can see an opportunity and you have driven for it.”
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Start Up and Innovation Business: Bredco
Home Based Business: Waxiwraps
Business With 0-4 Employees: Alkaline Cafe
Business With 5-10 Employees: The Hub on York
Business With 11+ Employees: Terry White Chemmart
Community Service: Worklink
Digital, IT and Emerging Technology Business: Concept Tech
Aboriginal Heritage and Culture: Kiya Watt
Tourism Business: Busy Blue Bus Tours and Charters
Agri-food and Beverage Value Add Business: Boston Brewing Co
Environment and Sustainability Business: Oranje Tractor Wine
Customer Service: Danielle Branson, Rule the Books
Employee of the Year: Robert Quayle, Wilson Brewing Company
Young Business Person of the Year: Aarron Attwell, pictured, Xesiv Digital
Business Leader of the Year: Susan McCabe, Busy Blue Bus
Business of the Year: Busy Blue Bus
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