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An engineering startup at iAccelerate in North Wollongong and a real estate leader from Bulli were among the big winners at the 2020 Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards held over two nights.
A new format allowed more people to attend the presentation at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.
The night ended with Aegis Engineering Services winning Business of the Year after picking up the professional services category, and Adam McMahon, of Dignam Real Estate, being named Illawarra and South Coast Business Person of the Year.
Aegis managing director Dylan Chresby wasn't expecting to win his category let alone the overall award for best business and didn't prepare a speech.
"There are so many great businesses in the Illawarra and it is has been a really tough year for everybody," Mr Chresby said.
"Just to be able to sustain and keep going through all that has been really tough personally and I am sure for a lot of other business owners and their employees."
Mr McMahon said he was very proud to be recognised in such a way after such a challenging year for everyone.
"From a business perspective with what we have gone through with COVID we have all worked really hard," he said.
"I would like to congratulate every one here for surviving this year."
The winners over the two nights included Otis Cafe in Kiama which started in March just before NSW went into lockdown and are yet to return to full capacity.
Thirroul Collective which had two of the businesses that use its space also picked up awards.
Other winners included Windang's Freestyle MMA hot on the heels of Alex Volkanvoski winning UFC World Championship featherweight title in July. Joe Lopez said the year involved closing the gym for a while when he and Volkanovski headed to Fight Island for one of the first international bouts under the new COVID-safe format.
Also celebrating was Biz Sites, of North Wollongong, run by two 22-year-old men from Orange who initially came to Wollongong for university. Dr Olga Lavalle & Associate continued a year or recognition. And Mitchell's Market at Warilla Grove showed how generations of a family can work together no matter what the challenge.
Albion Park's Teagan Caunt brought along her whole team from Totally Gorgeous Hair to celebrate together. And Joanne Grace School of Dance acknowledged all dance schools for adapting and continuing to provide opportunities for those who love to dance.
Winners of the 31 categories were:
Business of the Year
- Aegis Engineering Services, North Wollongong
Business Person of the Year
- Adam McMahon, Dignam Real Estate, Bulli
Automotive Services
- AC Automotive, Port Kembla
Bakery Cake/Shop
- Delaney's Cakes, Albion Park Rail
Beauty Services
- Goddess Health & Wellness Day Spa, Burrill Lake
Cafe
- Otis Cafe, Kiama
Dance Studio
Early Childhood Centre
- Gerringong Coastal Cottage Early Learning Centre, Gerringong
Education Services
- Stella Studioz, Nowra
Fashion Shop
- Bella Bohemian, Thirroul
Fast Food/Takeaway
- Burek @ Peces, Cringila
Fitness Services
- iBOX Fitness, Barrack Heights
Florist
- Woonona Florist, Woonona
Fresh Food
- Christians Premium Meats, Helensburgh
Fruit and Vegetable Shop
- Mitchells Market, Warilla Grove Shopping Centre.
Hairdresser
- Totally Gorgeous Hair, Albion Park
Health Improvement Services
- Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates, Wollongong
Jewellery Stores
- Prouds the Jewellers, Dapto Mall
Martial Arts Business
- Freestyle MMA, Windang
New Business
- Biz Sites, North Wollongong
Pet Care
- Furry 'n' Fabulous Pet Boutique, Shell Cove
- Terry White Chemmart, Milton
Photography Business
- NEG Photography, Kiama Downs
Professional Services
- Aegis Engineering Services, North Wollongong
Real Estate Agency
Restaurant
- Crooked River Wines, Gerringong
Service and Trade
- Active Electrical Corp, Barrack Heights
Sole Operator
- Speed painter Sarah Rowan, Helensburgh
Youth Award
- Kylie Edwards, Endota Spa, Kiama
Specialised Business
- Klean Queen Illawarra -Cleaning Service, Warilla
- Thirroul Collective, Thirroul
Read more:
- All the winners and photos from the Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards
- 2019 Illawarra & South Coast Local Business Awards finalists named
- Winners of the Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards announced 2018
- The Hungry Monkey will expand by opening a second restaurant after being named 2017 Illawarra and South Coast Business of the Year
- A Blackbutt tutoring business has been named national champion
- All the photos and winners from the 2015 llawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards 2015: dentist wins top honour
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
