Impressive entries raising the bar for business awards judges

A TRANSFORMED approach to evaluation is proof of the improved standard of entries to the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, its chair of judging says.

LBW Business + Wealth Advisors principal Simon Flowers will head the panel who will decide finalists and winners of prizes for the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s annual showcase.

He brings a wealth of experience to the role as a long-time member of the judging panel and supporter of the awards through a sponsorship by his workplace.

With this year’s nomination process drawing to a close, Mr Flowers said the drastic improvement in quality of entries in recent years had forced judges to raise their benchmarks to determine the top applicants each year.

“Back when I first started, we actually had to help entrants complete the entry form and enter the awards.

“The average score over the years has actually improved dramatically. We used to have a cut-off of 375 and whoever got 375 got a visit and became a finalist.

“We’ve had to push that up over the last few years because the entries have been so good.

“There’s probably businesses who may have won five or ten years ago, they may not win now.

“It’s just because the standards have significantly improved. That’s purely because of the great businesses that are in Geelong.”

While the judging process and networking opportunities are invaluable to participating businesses, Mr Flowers said he also drew satisfaction from providing a platform for and highlighting the achievements of little known local businesses.

“Everyone’s got a good story to tell and from a judging point of view it’s great to listen to that story.

“I think that there’s some really good businesses in Geelong that maybe some people have not heard of, and it’s great to get those businesses out there in the region.”

LBW is also on board as a major sponsor of the GBEAs again in 2023.

Mr Flowers said the business believed that supporting their colleagues reach their full potential would bring benefits to the broader community.

“Our approach has always been that if we have a strong business community then it’s strong for everyone.

“I think that the awards really does provide a great opportunity for businesses to expand and grow and develop.

“We’re lucky enough to be involved in that from a judging point of view and with the chamber.

“So we’re happy to help in supporting the Geelong community.”

Today (Friday, July 14) is the last day to submit an entry to this year’s GBEAs.

For more information and to enter, head to gbea.com.au