The Telstra Business Awards will recognise larger Australian businesses this year with a change to the Medium Business Award category to reflect the role medium-sized business play in driving the nation’s economic growth.
For the first time, businesses with up to 500 employees will now be eligible for the Medium Business Award and the overall Business of the Year Award. This has been increased from a maximum of 200 employees in previous years.
Will Irving, Telstra Business Awards Ambassador and Telstra Business Group Managing Director, said the Awards, now in their 24th year, celebrate the achievements of small and medium businesses, which he described as the life blood of the Australian economy.
“The Awards recognise trailblazers who embody the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of Australian business,” said Irving.
“Medium businesses play a vital role in our economy, generating a disproportionately high percentage of Australia’s business revenue compared to their actual numbers. By increasing the number of employees in this category we hope to attract more talent and competition to the 2016 program.”
There are four other Award categories businesses can enter including a new Charity category as well as New Business (formerly Start-Up), Micro Business and Small Business.
Entries are now open for the 2016 Telstra Business Awards and Australians are encouraged to recognise brilliant businesses by nominating them today.
Scott Houston, CEO of Executive Risk Solutions and winner of the 2015 Telstra Australian Business of the Year, urged Australians to nominate deserving local businesses and highlighted the benefits of entering the Awards.
“The entry process gives you a rare occasion to consider every aspect of your business as it makes you stop, take stock of your business and write down your vision, plan and strategies,” Mr Houston said.
“There’s also the chance for finalists to meet like-minded operators who might in turn present you with new business opportunities.”