An Upper Hunter engineering company has emerged from a bumper field of contenders to be named the region's Business of the Year at the sector's annual awards gala, this year marking a milestone anniversary.
Morgan Engineering, based at McDougalls Hill just outside Singleton, providing industrial engineering and manufacturing services to the Hunter's mining, construction and power industries, was recognised with the top gong at the Business Hunter Awards on Friday night, September 11.
The Hunter's business advocacy body, which this year marked its 140th anniversary, said the firm's solid growth strategy to expand from 80 to more than 130 employees, combined with efforts towards career development and significant investment in apprentice training, had impressed judges as the standout winner.
Morgan Engineering also took out awards for Excellence in Large Business, Workplace Health and Wellbeing, and Young Business Leader, capping a red letter night that attracted a record pool of more than 300 awards entries.
The firm's workshop manager, Brody Nowlan, who started at 16 as an apprentice in 2011 and went on to play a key role in the business' operations, was celebrated as the Young Business Leader of year. He was hailed for his role now overseeing four operational departments comprising some 67 employees.
Morgan Engineering expanded to open a new branch in Gunnedah, in the state's north west, in 2023 and has been recognised previously for its commitment to workforce development.
It won the Excellence in Building Workforce Capability award at the 2022 Hunter Manufacturing Awards, and has run a long-standing apprentice training program. The same year, it was also cited for efforts to increase gender diversity in the male-dominated sector.
"To see a home-grown manufacturing business take out four awards, including Business of the Year, is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the quality of businesses operating in our region," Business Hunter chief executive Bob Hawes said, adding that the calibre of finalists and winners was testament to the region's strength.
University of Newcastle professor Alan Broadfoot was recognised for a career of leadership in the region's energy and industrial sector, bestowed with the distinguished Business Hunter President's Award.
Professor Broadfoot was cited for roles with Ampcontrol, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources and the University of Newcastle, where Business Hunter president Glenn Thornton said he played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between industry and research while helping position the Hunter as a leader in innovation and advanced industry.
His influence on the region would be felt for generations, Mr Thornton said.
"Alan has played a pivotal role in shaping the Hunter's future through his leadership, vision and commitment to collaboration between industry and research," he said.
"He is a trusted adviser, mentor and advocate for our region, and a highly deserving recipient of this year's President's Award."
Also in the winner's circle at NEX in Newcastle West on Friday night, where more than 600 business and community leaders had come to celebrate, industrial safety technology company SAPHI, which was inducted into the Business Hunter Hall of Fame and claimed the double accolade of the Excellence in Innovation Award.
Burton Automotive was honoured with the Contribution to the Region Award, while community housing leader Jandy McCandless was named Business Leader of the Year for her work delivering programs and partnerships that have improved housing, community wellbeing and social outcomes across the region.
The award for small business went to the Watson Wealth managing partner Elliot Watson after a year of significant growth.
Business Singleton was crowned Outstanding Local Chamber, claiming yet another gong for the town to add to Morgan Engineering's four awards.
Mr Thornton said this year's record participation reflected a thriving and confident regional business community.
"The diversity of winners, finalists and entrants shows the incredible breadth of talent and enterprise that exists across the Hunter," he said.
"From manufacturers and technology innovators to community leaders and family businesses, these awards celebrate the people and organisations helping create a stronger future for our region."
Winners of aligned categories will progress to the Business NSW Awards in Sydney on October 30, carrying the Hunter's hopes onto the state stage.
The 2026 Business Hunter Awards were proudly sponsored by Newcastle Permanent.
