Business bores its way to the top

DirectBor director Aaron Finch said entering the Geelong Business Excellence Awards had been invaluable for the business, allowing the team to identify weaknesses and opportunities for growth. Photo: ANDY ROGERS

More than six months after winning the region’s most prestigious business prize, DirectBor director Aaron Finch is still on a high.

A first-time entrant in last year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards, DirectBor secured the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, after ticking all the boxes for business excellence.

The judges were highly impressed with all facets of the company, highlighting its innovative practices, client-first approach, impressive revenue growth and commitment to investment.

The business was consequently also recognised last year with the Innovation, Research & Development Award, sponsored by Viva Energy.

The judges were highly impressed with DirectBor’s innovative practices and client-first approach. Photo: ALAN BARBER/BAREFOOT MEDIA

Mr Finch said the entry process had been incredibly beneficial for the business, allowing the team to reflect on both their performance and accomplishments.

“It’s just incredible to be able to see where we’ve come from and where we are now,” he said.

“Until you start getting your team together and pulling it apart to be able to enter the awards, you don’t realise how far you’ve actually come until you see the numbers on the paper.”

But, Mr Finch said, the judging process was tough at times.

“I’m not going to sugar coat it; it was full on.

“There were a few points there I said to Will [DirectBor’s project manager], ‘I’m not sure if we should keep going with this’.

“I’m glad we didn’t give up.”

Last year’s win has brought DirectBor a new level of recognition, particularly within the specialty field it operates within. Photo: ALAN BARBER/BAREFOOT MEDIA

The family-owned business works in the highly specialised field of directional drilling, large scale civics, and cable and pipe installation for the electrical, communications, water and gas supply industries.

Mr Finch said the accolade had done “so much” for the business, including boosting its profile within the community and enabling the organisation to expand its reach.

“It’s given us recognition within the speciality field, and we’ve actually been able to grow and develop the company further abroad with that.

“We’ve worked out where our weaknesses are and where our strengths lie and developed them through.”

To learn more about DirectBor, head to directbor.com.au

Entries to the GBEA will remain open until 4pm on Friday, July 12. For more information, head to gbea.com.au