Thanks to a change in format that aligned some categories with the New South Wales (NSW) Business Chamber Awards, Hunter Valley Glass & Windscreen and Ourcare Services could come home winners from tonight’s ceremony.

Back in May, Hunter Valley Glass & Windows took out the innovation category at the local awards and Singleton Business Chamber’s Gill Eason says they will be hard to beat.

“Finding solutions for their clients is what has driven Hunter Valley Glass & Windscreens into the innovation category and what a difference it has made to their business,” she says.

“Working with their clients to improve services including safety has helped them develop a new windscreen solution for mining equipment and a number of efficiencies in windscreen replacement.”

Every member of staff is committed to thinking about how to improve services for their clients and in their own systems; and this innovative culture sees them get better and better, Mrs Eason explains.

Whereas Ourcare Services, who offer a range of support services to the frail aged, people living with disabilities and their carers, were named Employer of Choice.

Ms Eason says they have worked really hard to ensure that all their staff are not only looked after well, but are provided the right training and support to make their job enjoyable.

“This then means their clients are ultimately provided with the best possible service and happy clients mean a successful business,” she told The Argus.

“Streamlined systems which include their volunteers as well as staff mean that each area of the business knows what they’re doing and communication, which is so vital in this industry is made more efficient. They’ll be hard to beat.”

Unfortunately, Hunter Valley Glass & Windscreen managing director David Flynn can’t make it to the award ceremony but Ourcare is sending five representatives to the gala dinner in Sydney, including chief executive officer Lesleigh Adie.

“It is very exciting and progressing through from a local to regional then state level has really reinforced we are on the right track in regard to good governance, Workplace Health and Safety and Human Resource management,” Ms Adie says.

“It means we are ticking all the boxes when it comes to being a good employer and complying with constantly changing government regulations.

“I am heading down with no expectation but it would be a pleasant surprise if we were to win.”

Likewise, Mr Flynn says progressing through the competition has not only been good for his business but also for Singleton.

“It a good way to showcase the skill sets we have in town and to show that innovative products can come out of mining applications and be utilised in other fields,” he added.

“Our innovation in this area has provided benefits for other industries as well.”

Mrs Eason says the Singleton Business Chamber is proud two of our best local businesses get the opportunity to not only showcase their expertise to NSW, but also to gain the title of best in the state.

“We wish Ourcare Services and Hunter Valley Glass & Windscreens all the best – we think they should win.”