The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, honoured winners from all over the state at a black-tie event in Sydney.
“With an impressive line-up of businesses from around NSW vying for their State Categories, it was exciting to see Laura Prael, Managing Director of LEP Digital take out the Outstanding Business Leader Award and Hayley Shute from Aussie Ark take out the Outstanding Employee Award.” Business NSWS enior Director Regions and Visitor Economy Paula Martin said.
“Both categories are hotly contested, and it is a tribute to see both these leaders win.
“The Central Coast is a thriving business community with access to incredible talent and large markets close by. It is exciting to see young businesses like LEP Digital and Aussie Ark take advantage of this environment to be experts in their field.
The evening showcased excellence of business leaders who have gone above and beyond with respect to innovation, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and leadership.
Business of the Year went to Zepto Payments, founded in Byron Bay in 2017.
The payments technology company enables businesses to make, manage and receive payments in real time by connecting them directly to their customers' bank accounts.
Outstanding Business Leader for 2022 went to Laura Prael, Director and Founder of LEP Digital based on tyhe4 Coast, who was announced by the presenter in her category as ‘a popular choice’ based on the crowd’s reaction to her nomination.
On the night, Laura was supported by her team and their partners, the Business NSW – Central Coast team, led by Paula Martin, as well as a host of Central Coast businesses and Regional Leaders.
In Laura’s speech, she said how proud she was of building business in her region and its active business community.
“At LEP Digital, we provide technical career opportunities for women where opportunities are limited,” Laura said.
“We’ve created an inclusive, diverse, flexible, and psychologically safe workplace that puts employee needs first.”
“I know how much this award means to me and my team. Thank you for recognising me in this prestigious program.”
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the awarded businesses have gone above and beyond with respect to innovation, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and leadership.
“It’s great to see so many businesses displaying such impressive forward-thinking to tackle the needs of NSW communities,” Mr Hunter said.
About Laura Prael, LEP Digital
Laura Prael is an accomplished entrepreneur, digital marketer, copywriter and speaker, and a champion for equality, education, and the environment. Laura leads and mentors a high-performing team at LEP Digital, which she founded in 2015, using her empathetic, collaborative and enthusiastic leadership style which has contributed to her content marketing agency’s success.
About Business NSW
Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826. Its annual Business Awards program recognises growth, entrepreneurship and celebrates business success across NSW.
