A Sunshine Coast company that transforms helicopters into elite emergency and rescue aircraft is the Queensland Business of the Year.
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HeliMods, based in Caloundra, was launched in 2002 by Will Shrapnel after he identified a need for greater technical know-how for helicopters.
The only business of its kind in the world, HeliMods has grown to make the most of technology for rotary-wing aircraft.
On Thursday night at Brisbane's W Hotel, HeliMods was also awarded the 2018 Telstra Queensland Medium & Making Waves Award.
"It's just incredible, to be a regional business, a tech company in the regions, and to be recognised at a significant award ceremony like this, it's massive, it means so much to us," Mr Shrapnel said after the win.
"A rescue helicopter, an air ambulance helicopter, police machines - all sorts of helicopters doing amazing work. Our guys, our teams are the ones that transform those aircraft from factory to the specialist machines that do amazing work all around the world."
Judges identified HeliMods as "genuine innovators" keen to push the boundaries of what was possible and support the helicopters used in life-and-death rescue missions across the state.
The company will go on to represent Queensland at the national awards in Melbourne in September.
The other category winners of the 2018 awards were:
- Active Truth: 2018 Telstra Queensland Emerging & Energised Award winner
An online activewear company that caters to, and celebrates, all women regardless of their shape, size or stage of life.
- CartonCloud: 2018 Telstra Queensland Small & Succeeding Waves Award winner
A cloud-based transport and warehouse management system used by over 90 carriers and warehouses across Australia and New Zealand.
- The Pyjama Foundation: 2018 Telstra Queensland Social Change Maker Award winner
An organisation that works with volunteers to empower children in foster care with the life skills and confidence they need to change the direction of their life.
All 2018 Queensland winners will join other state and territory category winners at the national 2018 Telstra Australian Business Awards in Melbourne on Thursday, September 20.
Telstra Group general counsel and group executive corporate affairs Carmel Mulhern said the awards celebrated innovation and courage, finding "that moment" along the journey from start-up idea to flourishing business.
"The winners of the 2018 Telstra Queensland Business Awards are shining examples of businesses doing great things in new and effective ways for their customers," she said.
“They are genuine innovators, always on the lookout for ways to leverage technology to connect with customers, unlock new markets and take their business to the next level."
