Hort Enterprises (formerly Jeff Hort Engineering) has had a long association with the awards as nominees, finalists and winners.

“It was just me and my wife when we started out 20 years ago,” Mr Hort said. 

Today the business employs 170 people but times are challenging.

“Things are tough at the moment, but they have been two or three times in the past,” he said.

“The best advice I can give anyone in business is to make sure you build up a strong relationship with your bank manager.”

However, Mr Hort said underpinning it all was a strong sense of doing the right thing by employees and customers.

“It is important for any business to build a strong work ethic,” he said.

Relative newcomer to the business scene in Orange, Carla Poole, the owner of La Bella Advanced Skin and Laser, was a finalist in eight categories of the awards and took out the award for Excellence in Personal and Lifestyle Services.

“It is wonderful to think that after just over 12 months the business has achieved this recognition,” Ms Poole said.

“When you are in business for yourself it does mean long hours and a big commitment.

“I would really like to thank my staff and all our loyal customers who supported us with nominations and voting - it is truly appreciated,” she said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au