WHO IS THE 2011 GOLD COAST YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR?

WINNERS of the 2011 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Highly Commended and Trailblazer awards will be announced today at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

Boasting collective annual revenues of more than $136 million and employing 654 staff, the 2011 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists are ambitious, resilient and creative candidates who do not rest on their laurels. In fact some don’t seem to rest at all. Success doesn’t come easily as many will attest and the decision for the winner and runners-up each year goes right down to the wire.

Aged 40 and under, they have made significant contributions to the Gold Coast economy and are a vital part of its entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2010 Unit Clothing founders Ian and Paul Everest were awarded the top prize. The Unit brand is now found in more than 3000 retail outlets worldwide and this year the company will turn over more than $20 million.

2010 also saw Moo Moo Hospitality Group founder Steven Adams win the Highly Commended award, while Guvera founder Claus Loberg won the inaugural Trailblazer Award with his digital music downloading platform that is set to revolutionise the music industry.

Sponsored by Bond University and Telstra, the awards are a Gold Coast Business News initiative and are now in their fourth year. They are a celebration of home grown success stories – many of whom are already operating on the global stage.

Awards founder Jason Oxenbridge says the finalists each bring a key quality to their respective organisations.

“It’s overwhelming to see such incredible dedication and tenacity by all of the finalists, but what inspires the judges each year is the leadership qualities they possess,” he says.

“The fact that 654 people rely upon the 30 finalists for employment is a big responsibility and one they take very seriously. A diversity of industry is represented again this year, including tourism, retail, property, hospitality, IT and health.

“Positive stories can often get lost in a haze of negative sentiment and the Young Entrepreneur awards radiate optimism by celebrating the achievements of the next wave of business leaders in this dynamic city.”

Book your seat alongside the brightest business minds in the city at this special gala luncheon. Call Business News Publications on 07 5575 7400 or email [email protected]

2011 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists in alphabetical order

Anthony Adern (Whales in Paradise); Ruben Alker (Hip Communications); Brad Beer (Back In Motion Mermaid Waters); Michael Beverley (IP Wealth); Matt Buchel (Tropical Lifestyle) Brad Carr and James Patten (Ry.com.au); Michelle Carr (Small Business Evolution); Narelle Chenery (ONEgroup); James and Phillip Coulson (Csquared Design); Simon Darraugh (Xcite Audio Visual); Randall Deer (RewardsCorp); Shane Evans (Finesse Property); Brad Fullin (Palladio Homes); Jason Ganis (Smart Print); James Greig (Bloomtools); Roy Hall (HFI Group of Companies); Matt Hanley (Matt Electric); Shanan Harmelin (Glass Dining and Lounge Bar); Travis Ireland (Corporate Challenge); Scott Linden Jones (IT Leaders Group); Sebastian Karsas (Proof Engineers); Trudi McConnell and Abbey Withers (Oi Cosmetic Studio); Louise McGregor (P's in a Pod Creative); Dan Murray (Sly Underwear); David Rudduck (Insane Technologies); Nick Sinclair (Wealthfarm Group); Joshua Smith (iOnline); Scott and Nina Smythe (SS Irrigation); Mark Teis (Retail One Shopfitting) and Theodore Vairaktaris (UHK/Usher & Sons).