Gary and Margot Webster were proud and elated when the announcement was made at Friday’s Crowe Horwath Carillon Business Awards. They have paid tribute to their staff, saying that it is their hard work and dedication that has been rewarded.

At peak times around 40 staff are employed by the business. 

The winners’ trophy and accolades make an excellent present for a business that turns 28-years-old today. 

More than 500 people attended the business awards ceremony at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Friday night. 

President of the Bathurst Business Chamber Angus Edwards said all the winners were worthy recipients and were judged by an expert panel of 19 judges. 

“It was a most vigorous selection process and judging and the results reflect that,” Mr Edwards said.

More than 300 businesses were nominated for the awards, with 76 finalists selected, including the 19 winners announced on the night.

Mr Edwards said one of the highlights of the evening was the address by finance commentator Ross Greenwood.

Mr Edwards said there was spirited bidding for the charity auction, with Geoff Siegert doing a spectacular job as the auctioneer.

Yesterday Mr Webster reflected on winning the award, saying that being independently evaluated by your peers and clients is very rewarding.

“We work really hard in small business to produce a product people want to buy and participate in,” he said. 

“We’ve had to empower our people to do the day-to-day running of our business and this award reflects on the fabulous work our staff do. 

“For Margot and I there is real joy because we feel it is a reflection of our staff.

“I’d have to say they are the best staff we’ve ever had.”

Before being named the business of the year Cityfit won the Excellence in Health and Lifestyle category which was one of the largest in the competition.

Mr Webster thanked the Bathurst Business Chamber for doing such an excellent job organising the awards dinner.