Awards night motivates health service’s continual improvement

SHARING a stage with some of the Geelong business’ highest achievers at a major awards ceremony is an inspiring experience for up-and-coming businesses, a previous winner says.

13th Beach Health Services was the winner of last year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEAs) Best First Year Entry category, sponsored by Harwood Andrews.

The allied health business based at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove opened in 2010 and decided last year to throw its hat in the ring of the annual honors after growing to a team of 24 employees in its aim to become a leading health provider in the Bellarine townships.

Its consistent growth in 12 years and core values targeting patient experiences and staff empowerment were acclaimed by judges at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s major awards ceremony.

13th Beach Health Services practice manager Lara Santilli said rubbing shoulders with other successful local businesses as a category winner was validation of its work to date.

“We really didn’t know what to expect, given it was our first time entering.

“We were thinking we’re very fortunate to win that best first year entry because everything was brand new.

“You see some incredible businesses with humongous success, which is fabulous. So it was quite inspiring in that sense.”

Ms Santilli said participating in the awards process regardless of the outcome also provided motivation to continue striving for excellence.

“There were no horrible criticisms of the business or anything like that. But the whole process including the feedback does challenge each business to want to keep performing at their best.

“After you spend this time reflecting on all these different elements of your business, you don’t want to then let any one area fall down

“It keeps you focused on ensuring that you’re performing at your best in all of these different components.”

Geelong Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses, business leaders and young entrpreneurs to put their hand up for the 2023 GBEAs, which are now open for entry until July 14.

For more information on the awards and how to enter, head to gbea.com.au