A business app, offering local business deals and rewards, was launched at the Redland Business and Retail awards, held on November 23.
The app is being trialled for three months in a bid to encourage residents to shop locally and support local businesses. The success of these businesses was applauded at the awards with 760 people attending the event at Sheldon College.
Mayor Karen Williams said the awards represented the premiere business event for Redland coast.
This year's theme was inspired by the 2019 United Nations Year of Indiginous Language, with a bush tucker menu and artwork representing indigenous stories of the origins of the area. Emcees were QYAC's Cameron Costello and Lisa Nardone.
The awards attracted 12,600 public votesin 30 award categories. The votes were counted by Capalaba Rotary members. Winning Business of the Year was Greenplate of Capalaba which also took out the award for the most innovative business. Retailer of the Year was Injex Clinic at Capalaba which also took out the award for beauty services.
In accepting the awardfo Injex Clinic, Emma Taylor acknowledged her sister and staff, saying it was a true honour to be recognised.
Greenplate's Jo Kimmins said she believed the business was making a difference.
"It is so hard to express our gratitude. We are a proud family owned business," she said.
Soma Koran of Limited Edition Dance took out the young entrepreneur award and Sustainable Marketing Services at Cleveland were put on the business of the year honour roll.. The inspirational services award as sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cleveland went to the Men's Shed at Cleveland. Scott Bennett of Bayside Bait and Tackle at Victoria Point took out excellence in customer serivce as well as general retail, small.
"Thank you but I really have no idea what I'm doing," Mr Bennett said.
Other winners were Credit Union Australia at Capalaba Central (bank or mortgage broker), Capalaba Sports Club (bar or club), The Bush Pantry at Capalaba and Chillers Cafe at Point Lookout (joint winnners for cafe or casual dining), Carys Martin Ceramics at Thornlands (micro business), Floss Family Dental at Wellington Point (small business), Tania's Arthouse at Cleveland (entertainment, music and art), Williams Shoes at Capalaba (fashion), Healthy Passion for Food at Cleveland (takeaway or food kiosk), Home Instead at Birkdale (medium or large business), Supercheap Auto at Victoria Point (general retail large), Perch and Pantry at Cleveland (gifts and home decorator), The Colour Shak at Victoria Point (hairdresser or barber), Fit n Fab Fitness at Mount Cotton (fitness), Switchnode at Victoria Point (start up business), Fresh Cuts Bakery at Victoria Point (fresh and specialty foods), Jewell Moore Chartered Accountant at Cleveland (professional services), Elysium at Victoria Point (restaurant), Debbie Family Dental at Capalaba (medical or dental), Chemist Warehouse at Victoria Point (pharmacy), The Window Boyz at Thornlands (home services) and Aldi at Victoria Point (supermarket).
Chair of Redland Business awards Ian Chestermaster said positive connections were critical to business success and the awards embodied the spirit of hard work.
"It's about community, connection and collaboration," he said.
Details of the app can be sourced on redlandscoast.com.au/business-deals