2008 Rising Stars Winners

Mark Newbold, Managing Director

Strategic Marine are a dynamic Western Australia-based shipbuilding company with an international outlook and a rapidly growing reputation for producing quality, high performance commercial vessels for markets across the globe. In 2006-2007 they consolidated their position as a global shipbuilder by winning orders for 125 new boats worth over US$210 million from companies all over the world. Since their incorporation in 2001 they have established shipyards in WA, Singapore, Vietnam and Mexico – employing over 1,500 staff. Strategic Marine are committed to continuing their expansion into global markets as new opportunities arise.

Andrew Holborn, Executive Director & CFO; David Kaestner, Executive Director & CEO; Scott Anderson, Executive Director & COO

Established in 2005 and under the direction of a new executive management team, SWG has grown from a small south west regional based labour-hire business, to a diverse Engineering and Construction group with operations and projects being operated in Western Australia and South East Asia. Having built a strong reputation as a reliable and capable contractor, SWG assists their clients in the Mining, Oil & Gas and Resources sectors. With over 200 staff and having an increased turnover of 140% since inception, SWG are continuously striving to achieve with strong plans to reach their goal of becoming a $400 million company – and will not stop until they do!

Brian Grimmer, Managing Director

In 1990, Powertech began life as a conventional engineering service company providing Electrical Test and Commissioning Services to the resource sector. Looking to expand and find alternative avenues to stimulate growth, the company discovered the value in “less is more” and began focusing on only those services that were truly making a significance within their business. Developing high practice models in “Character before Competence” has led to Powertech doubling their growth and the development of a superior service which in turn has attracted valued customers such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Woodside Entergy and BP Australia.

Mark Blayney, Managing Director

Established in 2002, Carr Civil Contracting is a civil contracting company that provides earthmoving, civil construction and bulk haulage services to clientele predominantly in the Pilbara. The company has since grown from 5 personnel to an average turnover of $1 million to 200 personnel and a projected turnover of $60 million. Providing services in three key areas: Earthworks; Civil Construction; and Specialised Bulk Haulage – Carr Civil Contracting has developed into a successful “one-stop-shop” for their clientele.

Kay Giles, Managing Director

Marine and Civil was established in 1992 to specialise in marine related civil engineering and driven piled foundations. Over the last five years, the team established themselves as the marine infrastructure specialists in WA with their annual turnover almost tripling during this period. Completing major jobs such as the design and construction of Berth 2 for the Port Hedland Port Authority, the company has dramatically grown in staff in order to balance out their continuously increasing projects.

Michael Lawson & Terry Hare, Directors

Since its formation in 2002, Northerly Group has experienced six action packed years that has led them to become a highly respected WA Project Management and Building & Construction company. It was while working on the construction of the Deep Space Ground Station for the European Space Agency in New Norcia W.A., that Director Michael Lawson had the inspiration to found a company that would embody not only his broad experience, but also his ideals.  From its humble beginnings with an office from a room in his own house to joining with fellow Director Terry Hare, NGIS has since successfully expanded, working on their “Concept to Concrete” approach and creating a reputation of efficiency and reliable with clients such as Westralia Airports Corporation, Myer, Hilton Hotel – just to name a few.

Paul Farrell, Managing Director

Breaking away from the typical consultancies within a spatial industry, NGIS has become Australia’s leading provider to location-based technology solutions. Since its inception in 1993, NGIS has honed its skills at the cutting edge of such technologies, expanding from its Perth head office to now having more than 85 employees in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Hong Kong. Recognised as a market leader, NGIS’ sophisticated technical capabilities range across the full life cycle of a project. In the past two years, NGIS has experienced significant growth and profitability attributed to a shift in business focus and professional services offered.

Jeffrey Leach, Owner & CEO

Kate Morgan WA was launched in 2007 by WA pharmacist Jeffrey Leach who saw that there was a need to provide Australians with simple, easy and affordable weight loss solutions. Kate Morgan’s unique program meant there was much enthusiasm from the WA pharmacy community and within 12 months of start-up, Kate Morgan WA has already made significant profits and has grown from having just one Weight Loss Centre to having 50 pharmacy outlets already signed up throughout Western Australia - promising more substantial growth to come.

 

Bill Grierson, Managing Director

In 2003 Specialised Broking Associates were granted an Australian Financial Services License authorising them to deal in general insurance for only wholesale clients making them one of the first new firms to attain such registration. Prior to SBA, there were no Australian wned broker with serious capabilities to cater for the Mining, Energy and Construction areas looking for options, alternatives and new ideas. Now well established in the industry and growing steadily, SBA is in demand from clients such as Fortescue Metals, Alcoa, Clough Ltd – just to name a few.

Allan Rickerby, Managing Director

Founded in 2002, WCG Corporate Superannuation is an independent firm advising to predominately West Australian based companies. Holding their own Australian Financial Services Licence, they are able to provide advice and have access to all corporate super funds across Australia. A constant strive for excellence and remaining transparent to their customers is what they believe is the key to success with emphasis on continuous development, internally and through their professional services.