Law firm acknowledged as region's top business as trio added to Hall of Fame

A renowned law firm has been judged the Sunshine Coast’s top business for 2022, as the region’s enterprises in a wide range of sectors were praised for their resilience during the past few years.

Mooloolaba-based Travis Schultz & Partners was recognised as No.1 at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, while the Food and Agribusiness Network, the Ginger Factory, and RACV Noosa Resort were inducted into the awards’ Hall of Fame.

The compensation lawyers also took out the Professional Services (large) category for the third time in a row.

There were 32 winners, across 17 categories, at the 27th edition of the awards, with the presentation event attended by 855 people and emceed by comedian Shane Jacobson, at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.

Sunshine Coast businesses have faced years of COVID-19 and, more recently, inflation, interest rate hikes and supply and distribution delays.

Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said local businesses had displayed resolve.

“This year’s entries were again of a very high calibre, which reflects the diversity, depth, and strength of the Sunshine Coast business community, particularly with the challenging economic conditions being experienced,” she said.

The awards Hall of Fame inductees are three businesses representing the best of the best, having won their categories for three consecutive years.

Ms Swaine said being inducted into the Hall of Fame acknowledged the hard work, dedication and resilience of the businesses involved.

It also recognised the advancements of the businesses from year-to-year as well as the efforts of those who put their awards applications together and participated in the process – sometimes for many more years than just those they won.

Among other award winners was Bella Venezia Group, which won best large hospitality business for the second year in a row.

“This is great recognition for all of our team’s hard work and dedication during the most challenging few years our industry has ever faced,” owners Kristine and Todd Young said.

“It’s been an incredible record-breaking year for Bella Venezia. And due to our success, Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast region are now on the world stage in terms of the best food and wine offering in the world.”

Qspec Building Mobility Solutions was crowned winner of the Building and Construction category. Qspec is a government service provider that takes pride in creating access and mobility solutions improving the lives of the elderly and disabled in the community.

Managing Director Ryan Quade said the company’s success was due to a combination of good people, passion, hard work and company culture.

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“We have developed an environment that is more of a community than a workplace, we celebrate each individual win and support each other to grow”

Meanwhile, First Light Fabrication was adjudged Manufacturing Small Business of the Year.

Angus & Nicole Roberts took the leap from living the FIFO life to going it alone full time in their marine fabrication business.

“The validation of all the hard work that this award represents is incredible,” they said via a release.

“Not often in small business do you get the chance to sit back, acknowledge & celebrate how far you have come, but this award & the event on Saturday is just that for us. It’s been a tough slog but in moments like this, it’s totally worth it.”

Sunshine Coast Business Awards winners

• Sunshine Coast 2022 Business of the Year: Travis Schultz & Partners.
• Hall of Fame inductees:  The Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN), The Ginger Factory,  RACV Noosa Resort.
• Accommodation (Tourism): Large – Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, Birtinya, Small – Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville.
• Advanced Technology: Large – GreaseBoss, Birtinya, Small – Cérge, Peregian Beach.
• Building and Constriction: Large – Qspec Building Solutions, Maroochydore, Small – Becker Constructions, Landsborough.
• Clean Technology: Large – Aussie Tiny Houses, Coolum, Small – Waste Free Systems, Kunda Park.
• Creative Industries: Large – Your Brand Crew, Warana, Small – Raw Lens Media, Maroochydore.
• Education and Training: Large – Wildings Forest School, Burnside, Small – Nikki Fogden Moore The Mojo Maker, Yaroomba.
• Experiences (Tourism): Large – Amaze World, Tanawha, Small – Creative Tours, Minyama.
• Export: Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment, Lake MacDonald.
• Festivals and Events (Tourism): Large – Sunshine Coast Lightning, Sippy Downs, Small – NOOSA Alive!
• Food and Agribusiness: Large – Maleny Dairies, Maleny, Small – Global Boss International, Eerwah Vale.
• Health and Wellness: Large – Sunny Street, Maroochydore, Small – PsychHelp, Maroochydore.
• Hospitality: Large – Bella Venezia Group, Mooloolaba, Small – Kaali Gourmet Indian Restaurant, Noosa.
• Manufacturing: Large – Shipping Container Pools, Coolum, Small – First Light Fabrications, Bells Creek.
• Professional Services: Large – Travis Schultz & Partners, Mooloolaba, Small – The Organised Creative, Buderim.
• Retail: Large – White’s IGA, Bli Bli, Small – Amplitude, Bokarina.
• Social Impact: Large – Coast2Bay Housing Group, Maroochydore, Small – Stymie, Buderim.
• Trades and Services: Large – The Laundry Lady, Baringa, Small – Si Organics, Noosaville.