Accounting company takes home multiple business awards

COLLINS Hume has marked a successful period of transition across the region, earning multiple accolades at the Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards.

In addition to taking home the top honour of Business of the Year, the accounting firm also won awards for Excellence in Business and Professional Services and Excellence in Sustainability at a gala ceremony held at the Ballina RSL Club.

Kirra Connell was recognised as the Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year while senior business adviser Nathan McGrath was named joint winner of the Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over. Practice manager Naomi Monk received a highly commended award.

Collins Hume Accountants & Business Advisers chief executive Christopher Atkinson said it was a rewarding night.

“We’ve transitioned from a really successful Ballina business to more of a regional brand in the last few years,” Atkinson said.

“A lot of that hard work is starting to come to fruition now and the business is in really good shape.

“These awards are a wonderful testament to the passion and commitment our team brings to work every day.

“We’re honoured and humbled by the recognition and proud to contribute to such a vibrant local business community.”

The business was founded by John Collins and John Hume in 1980.

Both are now retired but are still passionate about the business and its continued growth.

“One of the first people I heard from after the awards was John Hume,” Atkinson said.

“He’s travelling around in a caravan at the moment and sent me a message early Sunday morning.”

Other award winners were Kelly Field from the Federal Hotel at Alstonville, who took home the trophy for Outstanding Employee.

The pub’s licensee, Vincent Chee, was a dual winner of Outstanding Young Business Leader with Tarry Buggy from St Andrew’s residential care.

St Andrews also won the Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness category.

Rhys Carmichael from Avid Construction and Contracting was the Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under.

The company was also recognised with the Excellence in Small Business Award.

Biala Support Services chief executive Lisa Smith was a joint winner of the Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over.

Biala was also Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over with Southern Cross Credit Union, which also won Excellence in Large Business.

Other winners included Gaia Retreat & Spa (Excellence in Sustainable Tourism), Sistability (Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under), Ballina RSL (Outstanding Community Organisation), Sunshine Speech & Allied Health (Outstanding New Business), Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Outstanding Visitor Experience), Coastal Bin Busters (Excellence in Micro Business), Northern Rivers Media (Excellence in Creative Industries) and Dr. Moose (Excellence in Retail & Personal Services).