Small business champions! - Country Cob Bakery wins out

Country Cob Bakery's Ben Hall, Mason Cumisky, Kate Neale, Declan Neale, Paige Brock and Bec Sawyer celebrate the bakery's win at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards last Saturday.

Kyneton's Country Cob Bakery was named Champion Bakery/Cake Store at the Australian Small Business Champion Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony, held at The Westin Sydney on Saturday.

With about 900 guests in attendance, 39 small business categories, including two entrepreneur categories and one business growth category, were presented on the night. Award recipients demonstrated the strength of the Australian small business community during challenging economic times. 

Country Cob owners, Kate and Declan Neale, told the Guardian they were thrilled to have been recognised for their hard work and achievements in their industry over the past 12 months.

"We are bursting at the seems with excitement, our hard work has paid off with the early mornings and late nights," Kate said.

"We are stoked for the customers who have supported us, they are the reason that we are here 20 years later, it is great that they continue to support local businesses.

"Among the thousands of entries from all across Australia, our dedication to business excellence, our team of staff, customer service, suppliers, the local community and environmental sustainability has shone through and seen us victorious winners. The underdogs! The only single store, independently run business among the finalists.

"We have so many people to thank; our staff, our suppliers and above all, our wonderful customers for their loyalty in supporting the small, independently run and locally owned business."

Kate and Declan now aim to promote their business as "that award-winning bakery in Kyneton" and help boost tourism to the town.

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards is the only national program of its kind to recognise the achievements and performance of small businesses. The awards aims to encourage excellence and drive businesses to success. 

"The Small Business Champion Awards is a way to give back to the backbone of the Australian economy," said Steve Loe, managing director of Precedent Productions and founder of the awards. 

"Every business that entered displayed passion, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit." 

Small businesses from across Australia delivered an impressive array of entries, with winners representing a broad range of industries from all states and territories. 

The awards are proudly presented by Precedent Productions, a small business in its own right, and supported by the Castaway Financial Forecasting System, Australian Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Key Person of Influence and Goalstribe. 

* Country Cob Bakery is hosting a pie eating competition tomorrow morning from 10.30am. The competition is a fundraiser for the local autism support group as part of Autism Awareness Month, so go along and be part of the fun and support a very worthy cause!