The Gold Coast City Council’s continued support and investment in the marine industry businesses continues to ensure success with three Gold Coast marine industry export businesses taking home awards at the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards announced in late November. The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) works closely with the GCCC and has undertaken a number of projects together with the council including organisation of an Inwards Buyers Mission during Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for the past two years to assist in providing opportunities to do business for the marine industry in this region. AIMEX members recognised in these awards for their excellence included Maritimo’s Bill Barry-Cotter, Aqualuma LED Lighting and Superior.
AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards said “these awards highlight the innovation and drive behind Gold Coast businesses. It is shows the success of the Gold Coast City Council’s strategy to assist and foster businesses in the region, the assistance these businesses have received supports their drive to be at the forefront of the global market. We are pleased to again be working with the GCCC to support marine industry exporters; The GCCC certainly stands out in Australia when it comes to providing practical support to manufacturers and service providers who export.”
Maritimo’s Bill Barry-Cotter was inducted into the Business Person Hall of Fame at the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards.
“It is a pleasure to have your work and passion in the boating industry recognised, but it is more about the team than the individual,” said Barry-Cotter.
“Maritimo has been a big success because of the people that are behind it. “ We have passionate and dedicated employees in all areas of the business who turn up each day and strive to do their very best.
“That is what makes the difference and that is what results in awards such as this. “I accept it on behalf of the Maritimo team.”
After an absence of entering for a few years following their selection as the Supreme Winner of the Awards in 2010, Superior was proud to have again been selected as the monthly winner in the Manufacturing & Construction Category of the 2013 awards. Superior is a Queensland based manufacturer of a variety of marine berthing systems and operates in the commercial and domestic sectors internationally. Their marina systems include Super Elite™, Elite™, Capri™ and UMD™. Superior also offers a large range of accessories in addition to Sunstream Boatlifts, boat ramp pontoons and jetski docks. Superior has undertaken many significant commercial and government projects around the world inclusive of marinas, jetties, ferry terminals, piling and resort aquatic areas.
Aqualuma LED Lighting was awarded the Mayors Innovation GC Award. Aqualuma is privately owned and was established on the Gold Coast in 2004 manufacturing LED underwater lighting and exporting to 52 countries. In 2012 Aqualuma introduced the world’s most efficient LED high bay light for commercial buildings, reducing carbon emissions and lowering power consumption by up to 75%. Directors Carl and Grant Amor accepted the award presented to them by the Gold Coast’s Mayor Tate. The award presentation can be viewed here.
Aqualuma have been recognised with many awards over the years including the AIMEX organised national marine export industry awards where they were awarded the 2011 Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year & the 2011 and 2012 Best Marine Industry Export Marketing Strategy categories.
The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards commenced in 1996 and have grown to be recognised as the region’s most comprehensive and prestigious awards scheme, offering specific and meaningful benefits to the wider Gold Coast business community. Almost 700 people attended the awards ceremony. Today, the Awards seek to contribute to the self-image and identity of Gold Coast based businesses and to foster pride in this business community.
