The last thing David Thompson expected on Friday night was to step on stage to accept an award at The Henrys – Parkes Business Awards, let alone to win three.
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Him and his McPhersons Parts and Service team are calling it their trifecta after coming away from the now-annual gala presentation with the Excellence in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Industrial and Trade; Business Leader and Business of the Year awards.
The Parkes Chamber of Commerce hosted the awards at the Parkes Services Club on Friday night before a crowd of more than 200 people.
Guests representing numerous businesses in Parkes were dressed in their finest as they turned out to celebrate the achievements of the local business community.
David Thompson said he was feeling nervous and was almost lost for words after scooping up his third and major award.
David has been the sole director of McPhersons Parts and Service since January 2015 and has watched his business grow significantly since then.
Among his achievements and efforts as an employer that made him a stand-out for the Business Leader accolade, was his interest in the well being of his staff.
David organised a mental health workshop, enabling discussion around mental health issues in the community, especially those that confront young men.
“David’s broad approach to modern business practices, sincere care for his staff and his willingness to continually learn has demonstrated his ability as a business leader,” deputy mayor Barbara Newton said after she presented him the award.
David thanked his wife Renee, his team and the community for their recognition.
“I am very proud to be part of this community,” he said.
“Really I still enjoy going to work every single day.
“I see I’ve got a lot of young guys and girls, all different personalities, and they’re great to work with and I really appreciate it.”
K&H Geotechnical Services PTY LTD and La Bella Medispa were the next to take out two awards each.
K&H Geotechnical Services PTY LTD was presented the Excellence in Professional Services and Excellence in Business awards.
“This has actually blown me away a little bit,” owner of the family business John Kennedy said.
“At the moment we’re very privileged in the fact that we’re working on the largest civil projects in Australia.
“...Everything comes back to Parkes for testing, so the 42 people we’ve got employed at the moment are all based and paid out of Parkes.
“They’re working on these projects all over Australia and it is a credit to this community that we’re able to do it here, and that’s the one thing we’re proud of.
“I’ve been asked on numerous occasions for many years now why don’t we move my laboratories to other locations like Dubbo and Orange and Sydney, I said I can do it all here in Parkes, this is where I was born and bred, this is where I live, that’s what it’s about.”
La Bella Medispa won the Excellence in Personal and Lifestyle Services and Excellence in Small Business awards.
“Obviously getting these awards is not just about the people that lead, it’s actually the team that they have beside them,” owner Rebecca Miller said as she called her team to join her on stage after receiving their first award.
She described collecting the business’ second award – alongside her business partner Jess Galvin – as a “wow moment” and one they were very proud of.
Young Entrepreneur was awarded to Steph Hughes of Hughes & Co Lawyers and Conveyancing.
“I’ll be brutally honest to say I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get Professional Services because I really wanted to bring the team up here tonight,” Steph said as she accepted her award.
“Me being up here tonight is a direct reflection on the people I surround myself with.
“I started in April by myself in 2014 and I now work with six other full-time people...so it’s only the start, I don’t know where this thing is headed, I certainly didn’t plan for what it has become already, but a good friend of mine always says it takes a village to raise a small child I feel like the network that we have established in Parkes is a strong one with very good, positive working relationships and that is what has led to our success.”
The Ken Birch Memorial Trophy was awarded to long-time business owners Ian and Judy Chambers, whose son Dave Chambers accepted the award in their absence.
Ian and Judy have lived in Parkes their whole lives and have worked together for more than 50 years, owning a number of businesses in town.
Remaining award recipients were Start Up Superstar went to Elk Films, Excellence in Social Enterprise to Meals on Wheels Parkes, Excellence in Hospitality to The Railway Hotel Parkes and Excellence in Retail to Parkes Pharmacy.
