DirectBor wins top prize at Geelong Business Excellence Awards

DIRECTBOR is offically the best in the business across the Geelong region, winning the top gong at yesterday’s (Thursday, October 19) Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEAs).

The Corio-based specialist company was judged the LBW Business + Wealth Advisors Business of the Year at the 2023 edition of the awards.

The presentation event at GMHBA Stadium, hosted by Nicky Buckley, saw guests walking the blue carpet before being seated for the evening, with entertainment including the Geelong Cello Quartet and Good Faces for Radio.

Business of the Year is the region’s most prestigious business accolade, and celebrates the culmination of grit, hard work and outstanding achievements.

DirectBor works in directional drilling, large scale civics, underground conduit, and cable and pipe installation for the electrical, communications, water and gas supply industries.

“The judges thought DirectBor was an excellent first year entrant who ticked all the boxes for business excellence,” chair of the GBEA judging panel Simon Flowers said.

DirectBor also won this year’s Innovation, Research & Development Award, sponsored by Viva Energy.

“The business has shown massive revenue growth and had invested heavily in a modern facility and capex over the last three years,” Mr Flowers said.

“DirectBor has also implemented significant innovative practices within their industry which has allowed greater efficiency, effectiveness and, best of all, safety in this niche but dangerous industry.”

Established in 1986 and managed by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the awards are the oldest continuously running business awards programs in Australia.

The GBEAs are a forum for established and emerging businesses and leaders striving for business excellence to be recognised for being clever, creative, and innovative.

Key entry criteria include business achievements, marketing, customer service, people and culture, finance, and other measures of excellence.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Jeremy Crawford said last night’s presentation event was a resounding success.

“This year, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards continued significant action towards sustainability, proudly announcing that the entire event was carbon-neutral for the second year in a row, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility.

“Geelong Business Excellence Awards and major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, extends its congratulations to all the winners and finalists.

“Their achievements stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Geelong business community.”

For the full list of winners, see the liftout in today’s edition of the paper.