The Awards Gala Dinner took centre stage during the FBA’s Asia Pacific Conference, drawing together a diverse array of family businesses and regional award finalists from across Australia and New Zealand.

The Family Business Excellence Awards are presented to an outstanding family business demonstrating excellence and achievement in the core business principles of Governance, Entrepreneurship and Stewardship.

CEO of FBA, Catherine Sayer said “the Family Business Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of families and individuals in respected and successful family businesses of all sizes and at all stages, acknowledging the significant economic and social contribution they make to Australia and New Zealand.”

This award honours the commitment of Sharpe® towards preserving family ownership and how involvement by the entire Sharpe Family, as a second-generation business, has helped propel the company towards growth, to become a leading Australian manufacturer in its industry.

On winning the award, Ellen Bain, CEO of Sharpe®, conveyed the profound passion the Sharpe Family hold for their company saying, “Our focus has always been on quality, continuous improvement, employee development and training, and family values—we are passionate about family business and everyone at Sharpe® is considered a part of the Sharpe Family.”

This accolade follows Sharpe® taking out the ‘Established Family Business — Queensland’ Award last year, further cementing its reputation for excellence in the family business landscape.

Ellen says, “the FBA’s commitment to recognising excellence in family business is commendable. It’s an incredible community to belong to with a diverse range of members each with an inspiring story to share.”

“Completing the FBA Emerging Leaders Program highlighted the importance of strong governance and strategic planning for growth. It has influenced my leadership approach and provided us with valuable guidance in succession planning.”

This award also marks 29 years since the company was founded by Peter and Anne Sharpe.

Reflecting on this journey Peter recollects, “What we started with, was a dream to have a quality machine shop—we weren’t imagining the growth that we see today! Our growth has stemmed from client demand and opportunity, and we embraced those opportunities with integrity and teamwork.” He adds, “Sharpe® wouldn’t be the business it is today, without our focus on family, honesty and quality. It’s these values that win every time and I believe that Liz, Ellen and Jon, along with Streety and our dedicated team, growing Sharpe® to what it is today is our best achievement.”

On stage to accept this award was Peter and Anne, Liz, Ellen and Jon, their partners Nathan, Scott and Alexa (Scott and Alexa also work in the family business) along with Mark Street (Streety), who has been an integral member of the Sharpe Family for over 27 years, working closely with Peter & Anne and their family.

Sharpe® extends a heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists who convened from across the Asia Pacific region to be recognised at these awards, each with a shared dedication to legacy and nurturing family values in business.

Read more about Our Company and Values.

(L-R) FBA Chair, Angus Kennard, Mark Street, Nathan Bennett, Elizabeth Sharpe, Ellen Bain, Scott Bain, Jon Sharpe, Alexa Velasquez, Anne Sharpe and Peter Sharpe.

(L-R) FBA CEO, Catherine Sayer, Elizabeth Sharpe, Ellen Bain, Jon Sharpe, and FBA Chair, Angus Kennard.