Bus and coach business ADAMS Group was named the Telstra Western Australian business of the year at an awards ceremony held last night.
The Malaga-based business, which also won the medium business award, was started in 2005 by former Australian Army soldier Adam Barnard with one bus.
Today it has a fleet of 88 vehicles and 131 staff operating across four transport divisions servicing government, tourism, mining, schools and corporate sectors.
Other winners at the event included Muway Constructions from Fitzroy Crossing, NPB Security based in Bedford, and Step Beyond Business Advisors in Subiaco.
Muway Constructions won both the small business award and regional award for its success in establishing a viable construction company in remote WA, and for providing trade skills training to Aboriginal people in the area.
The judges recognised Muway Construction manager Karl Plunkett and Aboriginal leader Joe Ross for their shared contribution to the health of remote communities through skills development including plumbing, electrical and carpentry trades, and profit sharing.
NPB Security, which provides crowd control, static guards and mobile patrol services for night clubs, construction sites and sporting events, won the start-up award for its rapid growth and staff training and benefits.
During the past three years, NPB Security has grown to become the state's biggest security provider, with a contracted workforce of more than 800 people.
StepBeyond Business Advisors won the micro business award for its work with social service and environmental organisations in developing strategies that emphasise building strong and resilient communities.
Judges said they were impressed with how StepBeyond provided value for money, compared with competitors, and gained trusted adviser status.
Telstra business group managing director Will Irving said ADAMS Group, which bought touring operator Australian Pinnacle Tours for $7.5 million in 2012, was a great example of an entrepreneurial WA business with strong management structure and operational control.
"Judges were impressed with the innovative business approach of the ADAMS Group and its strong use of technology across all facets of operations," he said.
"The business has enjoyed rapid growth with a clear focus on diversity of earnings and multiple future growth opportunities."
As part of winning the business awards, StepBeyond and NPB Security will receive $5,000 each, Muway Constructions will receive $10,000 for two categories, and ADAMS Group will receive $10,000 for the overall state award plus $5,000 for the medium business award category.
ADAMS Group will now go on to the national awards where it has a chance to be recognised as Telstra Australian business of the year and receive $20,000.
Telstra does not disclose state nomination figures, but of the thousands received nationally 24 WA businesses were named as finalists in this year's awards across its five categories.
Start-up award finalists included: teenage workshop provider Armed for Life; Margaret River's Harvest Tours; online agents National Franchise Insurance Brokers; service provider Scope Training; and business services provider Veev Group.
Micro-business award finalists included: horse services provider Equestricare; business solutions provider Health Safety Works; hairdresser Spoilt Hair Retreat; and retailer The House of Honey.
Small business award finalists included: video producers Lush TV; first aid trainers MEDIC ONE; security, investigation and surveillance business Meridian Services; home renovators Million Dollar Makeovers; retailer Quality Printer Cartridges; and salon You Skin and Body.
Medium business award finalists included: Mandurah Cruises and Gift Shop; management consultants Momentum Partners; construction company Monford Group; loan providers Paid (previously First Stop Money); and Bunbury and Perth-based WA Skills Training.
Regional award finalists included: Margaret River's Harvest Tours; Mandurah Cruises and Gift Shop; and WA Skills Training.
