Business Awards Success Story
Our clients are leaders in their fields, delivering excellence in a wide range of industries. I collaborate with them to showcase their wins with powerful, strategically crafted business award submissions. I’ve written more than 250 submissions, and I’m proud to say I’ve achieved a 95.75% success rate for clients being shortlisted as finalists or winning their category.
Each Business Awards Success Story below highlights how professional, award-winning submissions have helped them gain recognition, build credibility and open new doors for their businesses. Here are just a few examples …
Business Awards Success Story – Bookeze
Bookeze celebrated dual wins for Excellence in Business & Professional Services and Excellence in Small Business at the Tweed Business Awards. This recognises a firm that has deliberately redefined bookkeeping from a back-office function into a strategic partnership that helps business owners gain clarity, confidence and control over their finances. The submissions showcased how founders Brad & Shelley Ferguson have built a professional, advisory-led practice that combines technical expertise, robust systems and a strong values base to support clients ranging from sole traders to larger companies across Australia.
A central theme of the case study was excellence in professional services. Bookeze has invested heavily in quality assurance, workflow design and team capability, treating every client file as an asset that must stand up to scrutiny and support better decision making. Their model blends local and offshore specialists, underpinned by documented processes, peer review and leading cloud-based tools, which together deliver accurate, timely and insight-rich reporting rather than simple data entry.
From a small business perspective, the judges also saw a clear story of growth, resilience and strategic thinking. Over the qualifying period, Bookeze set ambitious goals around scaling team capacity, deepening client relationships and clarifying its mission and values, then backed these goals with deliberate action in recruitment, structure and referral partnerships. The submissions also highlighted how the business turned challenges such as team changes and offshore transitions into opportunities to strengthen systems, diversify risk and build a more robust, future-ready organisation.
Across both categories, Bookeze’s point of difference lay in its commitment to turning numbers into narrative, translating complex financial data into plain language and practical insight that helps clients make confident decisions about growth, cash flow and profitability. This blend of precision, innovation and genuine care for client outcomes made a compelling case for dual recognition and positions Bookeze as a standout professional services partner for growing businesses in the Northern Rivers and beyond.
Client Testimonial from Brad & Shelley Ferguson of Bookeze
I only wish I could give more than 5 stars! Lyndall is an absolute gem! Lyndall recently helped our business, Bookeze, with two submissions for the 2026 Tweed Business Awards – something which we have never done before and which to be honest, we weren’t entirely sure we should be doing now.
In fact, the morning we met with Lyndall for her to interview us, we told her that we weren’t sure we should even be applying. What subsequently transpired however, was that Lyndall not only reassured us, but used her uncanny ability to draw out all of the required information, stories and data to compile a truly compelling submission.
Small business isn’t easy, and it’s often difficult to remember all the good things that you do. Lyndall really did help us to sit back, take stock and remember the wins, the important lessons that we have had, and the resilience that we have shown throughout the year.
Fast forward a couple of months and we are now the proud winners of both awards – ‘Excellence in Business and Professional Services’ and ‘Excellence in Small Business’! An amazing recognition milestone that we honestly did not think we would achieve. This has given us renewed vigour in our business and a desire to come back even bigger and better next year.
Thankyou Lyndall from the bottom of our hearts. We simply could not have done this without you, and we can’t wait to work together on not only award submissions but website copy, marketing materials, team bios and much more in the future!
Business Awards Success Story – Chinderah Motors
Chinderah Motors impressed the 2026 Tweed Business Awards judges, winning their category and achieving a very high score that reflected the strength of both the business and its leadership story.
The submission showcased how business owner, Pete Gooding, has grown the business from a one man mobile mechanic into a busy, full service operation with a stable, highly skilled team, modern tooling and disciplined systems, all while holding onto old fashioned customer service and community focus
A key focus of the case was leadership through change. Over the qualifying period, Pete navigated significant staffing and capacity pressures, including the need to reshape the team and improve how the workshop operates at full capacity within a fixed footprint. Rather than accept these constraints, he refined the team structure, invested in training and business coaching, implemented 5S and structured workflow planning, and created a more accountable, engaged workplace that now runs more efficiently and delivers consistently high quality work.
The submission also highlighted the depth of Chinderah Motors’ contribution to the Tweed community, from employing and training local staff and apprentices to significant local supplier spend, referrals to partner businesses and hands on support for schools, clubs and charities. This combination of a clear growth trajectory, strong leadership in challenging conditions and measurable economic and community impact created a compelling story that resonated with the judges and underpinned the workshop’s outstanding score.
As Pete put it: “This award means a lot to us as a small, hardworking team. Lyndall, you are an absolute rock star for helping us tell our story so clearly and honestly.”
Awards Success Story – Curly & Co Hair
Curly & Co Hair’s recognition as Winner in Excellence in Personal Services and Highly Commended in Creative Industries at the Tweed Business Awards showcases a values-led small business that has turned a clear niche in specialist curl care into a thriving, trusted brand for textured hair. The award submission highlighted how the salon has built a loyal community through education-led appointments, personalised consultations and a warm, inclusive salon experience that helps clients feel seen, supported and confident.
The submission also drew out achievements that resonate with fellow small business owners, including steady growth driven largely by word of mouth, strategic investment in staff training and the introduction of systems and processes that protect consistency without losing the boutique, personal touch. It emphasised their creative edge too, such as innovative techniques for different curl patterns, on trend looks for content and events and a strong, authentic brand presence that clearly communicates what they stand for.
By framing everything around impact, particularly how clients leave not only with great hair but with knowledge, confidence and a sense of belonging, the story positioned Curly & Co Hair as a business that succeeds by staying tightly aligned to its purpose and ideal client. This blend of operational smarts, creative excellence and community impact gives future clients a clear picture of what it feels like to sit in their chair and shows other small business owners what is possible when they lean into their niche.
As Helen, the owner, summed it up: “These awards prove that when you stay fiercely committed to curls and refuse to water down your vision, you do more than run a salon, you lead a movement.”
Awards Succcess Story – Coolangatta Tweed Osteopathy
Coolangatta Tweed Osteopathy engaged The Professional Writer to help articulate their story of growth, innovation and patient-centred care for the 2026 Tweed Business Awards. Based in Tweed Heads, the musculoskeletal clinic focuses on helping people move with confidence, reduce pain and return to the activities they love.
Working directly with Nate Ingham, the business owner, we shaped a clear, compelling submission for the Excellence in Health Care & Wellness category. The entry showcased how the team “treat people, not body parts,” combining hands-on treatment with tailored rehabilitation and strong patient education so clients understand their diagnosis and recovery pathway.
Over the qualifying period, Coolangatta Tweed Osteopathy expanded from a two-room practice to a purpose-built five-room clinic, supported by investment in advanced equipment and carefully designed systems. The submission highlighted:
Coolangatta Tweed Osteopathy’s submission demonstrated a highly structured, outcomes‑focused model of care where every patient receives a clear diagnosis, timeframe and management plan from their first visit, supported by excellent rebooking, satisfaction and review metrics. It outlined strong growth in revenue and appointment volume over the year, underpinned by robust systems, detailed SOPs and regular team check‑ins to maintain consistency across the clinic.
The entry also demonstrated how the clinic contributes to the local economy and community – through employment of osteopaths and support staff, substantial local procurement for their clinic fit‑out, and strong referral networks with local GPs, specialists and radiology providers. It showcased their active community involvement, including sponsorship of junior sport and surf clubs, and hands‑on support for surf lifesaving activities.
On awards night, Coolangatta Tweed Osteopathy was named winner of Excellence in Health Care & Wellness and Highly Commended in the Excellence in Small Business category at the 2026 Tweed Business Awards – a powerful endorsement of their evidence‑based, patient‑centred approach and the systems they’ve built to deliver consistently high‑quality care.
Learn more about Coolangatta Tweed Osteopathy
Business Awards Success Story – Preston Building
In 2025, when local construction specialist Tony Preston of Preston Building was ready to step up and showcase their outstanding workmanship and project delivery, the team turned to us for help preparing their Tweed Business Awards submission. They achieved Highly Commended against a much larger local construction/engineering company.
Tony returned in 2026, and we worked closely with him to unpack the story behind their recent projects – from complex builds and tight timelines through to strong safety performance and client satisfaction. Drawing on the detailed information he provided, we wrote a compelling, evidence-based entry for the Excellence in Construction category.
The submission highlighted Preston Building’s focus on quality, communication and collaboration with clients and subcontractors, underpinned by robust systems and meticulous attention to detail. It also showcased their measurable outcomes including repeat work, referrals, and strong financial performance over the qualifying period.
On awards night, Preston Building was announced winner of the Excellence in Construction award at the 2026 Tweed Business Awards – a fantastic recognition of the team’s commitment to quality and professionalism. This is proof that, if at first you come runner up, try again next year!
The win has strengthened the company’s reputation in the region, created new opportunities, and given them powerful marketing credentials to share with clients and partners.
Testimonial from Tony Preston, Managing Director, Preston Building
Having Lyndall guide us through the awards process made a huge difference. The submission reflected who we are and what we stand for and helped us put our best foot forward to the judges.
We’re so grateful to have found Lyndall who is very professional and a team player.
Thank you for your support, Lyndall. You’re an integral part of our business success story, and we will be working together again soon!
Client Success Story – The Cutting Room at Riverstone Award Submission
The Cutting Room at Riverstone has earned the title of Hairdresser of the Year in the Blacktown Local Business Awards, a recognition that reflects their commitment to redefining what a salon experience should be. They go beyond filtered images and narrow ideals, instead celebrating the authentic beauty of women from all walks of life. Their marketing and services are inclusive, showcasing clients of every age, style, and background. From the first consultation, clients receive genuine advice, transparent pricing, and personalised service—leaving feeling seen, valued, and confident.
With over 80 years of combined experience, the team continually raises the bar, embracing ongoing professional development and innovation in hairdressing.
The Cutting Room is not just a salon, but a valued part of the Riverstone community. They support local clubs, partner with schools, and contribute to initiatives that help those in need. Environmental responsibility is at the heart of their operations, with advanced recycling, energy-efficient practices, and eco-conscious products leading the way.
Welcoming and inclusive, The Cutting Room is designed so every client, regardless of their background or needs, feels comfortable and cared for from the moment they arrive.
Find out more about The Cutting Room at Riverstone on their website.
Testimonial from Penny Whitmore - The Cutting Room at Riverstone
From the very first interaction I knew Lyndall was exactly what I was looking for. I struggle terribly trying to put things into words and I am even worse at explaining things 
.
Somehow, Lyndall was able to turn my muddled thoughts into exactly what I was trying to get across. She is thorough, prompt and has the patience of a saint. I can’t recommend her enough. Thanks Lyndall, I’ll be back! 
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Awards Success Story – Care Easy Award Submission
Care Easy is redefining aged care in the Tweed region, one thoughtful visit at a time. As the proud recipient of the Outstanding New Business Award at the 2025 Tweed Regional Business Awards, their journey is a shining example of what happens when compassion and innovation come together.
Based in Tweed Heads South, Care Easy is led by the passionate and visionary Tracey Hamilton, supported by her dedicated team. Together, they’re on a mission to help local seniors live happy, fulfilling lives through a wide range of in-home support services. From cleaning, shopping, and gardening to transport, social outings, respite care, and even something as simple, and joyful, as a walk on the beach, Care Easy’s personalised approach goes beyond meeting daily needs. It’s about fostering independence, preserving dignity, and creating meaningful connections.
What truly sets Care Easy apart is their commitment to transforming the aged care experience. By prioritising quality, compassion, and creativity, they deliver more than just services, they provide families with genuine partnership and peace of mind.
Winning the Outstanding New Business Award is a testament to Tracey and her team’s dedication, passion, and belief that every senior deserves to live a life they love.
Congratulations to Care Easy for setting a new standard in aged care and for making the Tweed community a better, more compassionate place, especially for our seniors.
Testimonial from Tracey Hamilton - CEO of Care Easy
I had never entered an award before, but my passion for my industry inspired me to share my story with the world. Enter Lyndall Guinery-Smith – a true breath of fresh air. Lyndall helped me see the uniqueness and value of my story, then she transformed it into an award-winning submission.
She took my words, refined them, and turned them into something extraordinary. The entire process was seamless and professional, exceeding all my expectations. Reading my story through Lyndall’s words was deeply emotional; it brought tears to my eyes. She captured my passion so perfectly that it felt like she truly understood my journey. Thanks to Lyndall, my company has never looked better.
The result? I won Outstanding New Business at the local business awards, went on to win the Northern Rivers Regional Awards, AND became a State Finalist! I’m so happy.
Thank you, Lyndall, for your incredible work. I can’t wait to collaborate with you again for future awards. Let’s do it again!
Client Success Story – Studio Eleven Hair & Beauty Awards Submissions
Studio Eleven Hair & Beauty continues to raise the bar for personal services in the Tweed region, earning Excellence in Personal Services and Employee of the Year at the Tweed Regional Business Awards for the second year in a row. This recognition highlights their relentless dedication to client satisfaction and the passion that fuels their success.
Under the leadership of owner Aleisha Weston, and with the contributions of Employee of the Year winners Shaun Pollard (2025) and Amber Howarth (2024), Studio Eleven has built a culture of care, growth and excellence. Their team of 17 local employees operates across three thriving salons in Coolangatta/Tweed Heads, Banora Point and Kingscliff, directly supporting the local economy and fostering community connections.
Studio Eleven’s commitment to professional development and personalised service ensures every client experience is memorable. Their active involvement in local partnerships, sponsorships and community initiatives has further solidified their role as a cornerstone of the Tweed region.
Their continued success at the Tweed Regional Business Awards is a celebration of a business that exemplifies excellence, authenticity, and community spirit. Congratulations, Studio Eleven Hair & Beauty, for another outstanding year!
UPDATE: Studio Eleven were awarded Highly Commended at the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards! Congratulations to Aleisha and the team.
Testimonial from Aleisha Weston - Studio Eleven Hair & Beauty
Thank you so much Lyndall. You made us sound exceptional. When I read through the submissions, there’s a real feeling of pride. Thank you for putting it all into words, perfectly done… again!
Client Success Story – Andersen Pest Services
Andersen Pest Services, a family-run business based in Valentine, NSW, has been recognised for their outstanding achievements, winning Excellence in Micro Business at the 2024 Lake Macquarie Business Awards. This honour reflects their dedication to quality, innovation, and community impact under the leadership of owner Shane Andersen.
Known for their exceptional attention to detail, commitment to safety, and efficient service, Andersen Pest Services has built a reputation for thorough, no-shortcut work that prioritizes both clients and team members. Their focus on creating local jobs and fostering a supportive workplace culture has made them a valued contributor to the local economy.
Overcoming significant challenges, the business has embraced innovation and worked towards reducing owner reliance, setting clear goals and achieving them with determination. Beyond their professional excellence, Andersen Pest Services is a pillar of the community, generously donating over $21,000 in the past three years to local charities, community initiatives, and sporting teams. Their financial and hands-on support underscores their deep commitment to the social and economic wellbeing of their region.
By choosing Andersen Pest Services, customers not only receive top-tier pest control but also contribute to the betterment of the local community. This partnership between business and community creates a ripple effect of positive impact, ensuring continued growth and prosperity for the Lake Macquarie region.
Congratulations to Andersen Pest Services for their well-deserved recognition and for making a meaningful difference in their community.
Find out more about Andersen Pest Services on their website.
Testimonial from Shane Andersen - Andersen Pest Services
Lyndall is amazing at what she does, especially writing business award submissions. If you’re after a professional writer for any reason, I’d highly recommend you engage in her services. Lyndall is so down to earth and easy to get along with. I cannot recommend her services highly enough.
Client Success Story – Next Legal & Conveyancing Award Submissions
Since establishing her innovative legal practice in 2018, Alicia Floyer has experienced incredible growth and success. She wanted to celebrate the achievements of her team by entering a business award, but as a super-busy professional, she needed some assistance with the award submission.
After searching Google for a suitable business awards writer, Alicia contacted us for a chat about how we could help her with the preparation of a strong award submission. She asked us about our success rate. It was the first time a potential client had actually asked that, so we calculated it (and have since updated it).
Alicia has engaged The Professional Writer to assist with all her business award submissions over the past three years. We work collaboratively to prepare and polish all these award submissions, ensuring we highlight the young team’s significant achievements to date.
We’ve now assisted Next Legal & Conveyancing with finalist/winning entries in the Small Business Champions Awards, Women’s Small Business Champions Awards, Local Business Awards, Lake Macquarie Business Awards, Hunter Business Awards and Australian Law Awards, including 2022 Regional/ Suburban Law Firm of the Year. We love seeing our clients succeed!
It was extremely exciting to hear the team won:
- 2020 – Winner – Best New Business – Lake Macquarie Business Awards
- 2020 – Winner – Start-Up Superstar – Hunter Business Awards
- 2021 – Highly Commended – Business Hunter, Kristin Keegan Young Business Leader of the Year
- 2021 – Winner – Hunter Local Business Awards – Business Leader of the Year
- 2022 – Winner – Start-Up Superstar – Lake Macquarie Business Awards
- 2022 – Winner – Australian Small Business Champion Awards – Best Legal Service
- 2022 – Winner – Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Regional Law Firm of the Year
- 2022 – Highly Commended – Business Hunter Awards – Excellence in Small Business
- 2022 – Highly Commended – Business Hutner Awards – Young Business Leader of the Year
- 2022 – Winner – Hunter Local Business Awards – Excellence in Conveyancing
- 2022 – Winner – NSW Law Society Awards – Wellbeing Champion of the Year
We were very excited to hear of these well-deserved wins, in addition to the team being shortlisted as finalists in many other awards programs.
Alicia has since referred several new clients to us as well, which is always humbling and very much appreciated.
Afterwards, Alicia said …
“I am truly so thankful for Lyndall’s expert help. Not only did she help me write three winning award submissions, but also our website content. Lyndall also assisted me in working out what my business goals were and reflect on everything I have achieved.
The process was so easy, and we did everything via phone and email. It was like Lyndall had known me for years. Seriously recommend for award submissions, website content or any type of professional writing.”
If you’re in need of legal or conveyancing services in the Newcastle area (or across NSW), contact Alicia and her expert team via: www.nextlc.com.au
For further information on our award submission writing services, please click over to the Services page.
Client Success Story – Angela Henderson
Angela Henderson is a successful entrepreneur, keynote speaker, business consultant, podcaster and mental health clinician. Her impact on women in business stems from starting her first business from scratch while juggling parenthood, so she understands the challenges and struggles of being a woman/Mum in business.
Angela loves helping other women and her attitude is collaboration over competition, every time. Over the years, she has empowered thousands of women with the tools, resources, community and coaching they need to grow sustainable, profitable businesses, much of it for free.
Some of Angela’s work includes:
- Women in Business coaching programs
- A Business Masterclass and Mastermind program
- She runs an awesome Facebook group called Australian Businesswomen’s Collaborative
- The Finding Balance in Business Women’s Retreat is highly recommended
- She is a mentor for the Queensland government’s Mentoring for Growth program and regularly addresses large conferences as a captivating keynote speaker.
We’re proud to be among the many beneficiaries of her wisdom and guidance! In 2020, Angela approached us to work with her on writing three submissions for the annual Stevie Awards. Although an accomplished writer herself, Angela is time-poor. She needed to tap into our award submission writing skills and award-winning tips and strategies. We collaborated over a period of weeks, putting together the three submissions and a range of supporting documents.
Angela won three silver Stevie Awards for Women in Business:
- Mentor/Coach of the Year
- Podcast of the Year
- Women Helping Women
Woot woo!!
Afterwards, Angela said …
“Working with Lyndall has been an absolute blast. She is professional, kind, prompt and simply amazing at her ability to pull everything together.
I highly recommend The Professional Writer”.
Angela Henderson, Business Consultant – Angela Henderson Consulting
Client Success Story – Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson
Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson are a highly professional and sought-after accountancy practice catering to clients from locals to both national and international businesses. They are the largest accounting firm in Murwillumbah (Northern NSW) and one of the largest practices across the Tweed Valley area.
They are an accounting firm with a difference. MMA is proactive rather than reactive in its approach to accounting advice. Their team focus on establishing, nurturing and maintaining quality relationships with every client. They see themselves as partners in their clients’ financial situation, guiding them and working together to ensure clients achieve their desired financial outcomes and goals.
Entering the Business Excellence Awards Tweed Shire (BEATS)
The partners decided to enter their local Tweed Business Excellence Awards. As time-poor accountants, they needed some assistance with writing the submission. As we have an established relationship through networking with MMA partner, Jeannie Anderson, we were a natural choice. We were happy to collaborate with the team. We interviewed them to gain an in-depth understanding of their business and what truly sets their firm apart from competitors.
After working together on the submission, we were thrilled to hear that Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson were winners of the Excellence in Professional Services award. Congratulations team!
Jeannie Anderson sent us this testimonial about our award submission writing:
“As accountants, we are very good at numbers, but overwhelmed when it comes to words and writing. Lyndall and her team have been exactly what we were looking for. By employing her award submission writing services, it has enabled us to simply continue with our numbers.
Lyndall is a delight to work with, friendly and very easy to talk to. She did a wonderful job of engaging with all our staff, finding out who we are and what we do, and then bringing that to life through the written word. Lyndall’s work is of the very highest quality, professional, timely and accurate. Our firm will now be using The Professional Writer for all our writing requirements. It is such a relief for us to have someone who we can now simply ask to write for us.
We know that they know and understand our business, and they will deliver what we need. Working with The Professional Writer has been a wonderful experience. I can highly recommend Lyndall and her team for the writing needs of all businesses and individuals.”