Singleton Business Excellence Awards 2020 celebrate the strength and diversity of local business after year of challenges

This year a smaller, Covid-safe ceremony took place to announce the winners of the annual Singleton Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Singleton Business Chamber and take their hat off to those who have stepped up under extraordinary circumstances.

Singleton Business Chamber president Sue Gilroy said it was important to hold a face-to-face ceremony to recognise the dedication and hard work of local businesses and business owners.

"Normally the business awards run in May and we're now in November... but we've pulled it off because we felt that it was really important to acknowledge and celebrate the businesses in Singleton because without them we don't have a business community," she said.

"We would never have envisaged the challenges we would have in 2020, but we've really stepped up to the mark and the chamber has certainly seen its challenges but it's seen achievements like it's never had before."

Awards were handed out in 20 categories, including the addition of one new award for 2020, the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, which went to AGL Macquarie.

Judges for the 2020 awards included Peter Hollingsworth (The Business Centre), Barrett Campbell (The Business Centre), Steve Wait (The Business Centre), Lorraine Skinner (Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce), Geoff Walker (Cessnock Chamber of Commerce) and Genelle Scotts (Bengalla Mining Company).

The public also had the chance to have their say, with three awards voted for by the people - Singleton's Most Awesome Tradie (which went to Zach McLennan of McLennan Plumbing), the Service With A Smile Award (which went to Jenna Baxter of Nail Envy) and Singleton's Favourite Business (awarded to U n Me Driver Training).

The big winner on the night was CPR Pest Management Services who took out the Most Outstanding Business Award for the business that received the highest average. They also won the award for Excellence in Small Business.

Most Outstanding Business Sponsored by Singleton Council - CPR Pest Management Services

Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Sponsored by Singleton Council - Sophie Thrift - Gritfit Training & Health

Outstanding Sole Trader Sponsored by AGL Macquarie - U n Me Driver Training

Excellence in Micro Business Sponsored by Glencore - Core Pilates Studio

Excellence in Small Business Sponsored by NSW Mining - CPR Pest Management Services

Excellence in Medium/Large Business Sponsored by the Local Buying Foundation - NSW - Ourcare Services Ltd

Start Up Superstar Sponsored by The Bloomfield Group - Slumber Parties & Events

Community Support Superstar Sponsored by McDonald's - Singleton Mazda

Employee of the Year Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Singleton - Brydie Gall - Hunter Urban Dance Studio

Excellence in Specialty or Professional Services Sponsored by Peadbody Wambo - Bestic Law

Excellence in Retail Sonsored by AGL Macquarie - Meyn Street Meats

Excellence in Hair and Beauty Sponsored by The Singleton Argus - So Young Nail & Beauty

Excellence in Health Lifestyle and Wellness Sponsored by Happy Tooth Singleton Dentist - Singleton Golf Club

Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Sponsored by Singleton Council - Club Singleton

Excellence in Community Service Sponsored by Singleton Diggers - PCYC Singleton

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Sponsored by the Local Buying Foundation - NSW - AGL Macquarie

Singleton's Most Awesome Tradie Sponsored by Glencore - Public Vote - Zach McLennan - McLennan Plumbing

Highly Commended Excellence in Micro Business - Hunter Urban Dance Studio

Singleton's Favourite Business Sponsored by The Local Buying Foundation - NSW - Public Vote - U n Me Driver Training

Service With A Smile Award Sponsored by NSW Minerals Council - Jenna Baxter - Nail Envy