- Published:
- Friday 7 October 2016
The fastest growing social media startup in Australia, based in Kew, has won the top award for business services at the prestigious 37th Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA) held at Government House last night.
The online marketplace, Shopping Links, connects bloggers and social influencers with brands to reach new audiences and was presented with the esteemed award in recognition of its international success in professional business services.
Exports have been the driving force behind Shopping Links’ revenue, with international collaborations making up 70 per cent of the company’s revenue and export sales accounting for 94 per cent of its overall sales in the last year.
More than 50 businesses entered this year’s awards, designed to recognise the hard-work and economic contributions exporters make to Victoria, boosting the state’s business profile locally and internationally.
For the last three years running, a GOVEA winner has gone on to win the Australian Exporter of the Year award cementing Victoria’s reputation as the country’s leading exporter.
Victorian exports make a crucial contribution to the economy with total exports of goods and services in 2014-15 rising 4.8 per cent to a record $39.4 billion.
The patron of the Governor of Victoria Export Awards is the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“These awards are a great way to recognise the hard work of our exporting businesses throughout a range of different industries across the state.”
“We’re leading the country in small business growth and startups. These awards give us the opportunity to provide local businesses, like Shopping Links, the recognition they deserve for taking the very best of Victoria to the world.”
Full list of 2016 Governor of Victoria Export Award Winners:
Regional Exporter Award
Australian Premier Dried Fruits – Merbein South
Creative Industries Award
League of Geeks – Southbank
Environmental Solutions Award
Geofabrics Australasia – Braeside
Small Business Award
Cornerstone Solutions – Watsonia
Agribusiness Award
Schreurs & Sons - Clyde
Manufacturing Award
A.W. Bell – Dandenong South
Minerals, Energy and Related Services Award
Gekko Systems – Ballarat
Business Services Award
Shopping Links – Kew East
E-Commerce Award
Swisse Wellness - Collingwood
Health & Biotechnology
Ego Pharmaceuticals – Braeside
IDT Australia (Commendation) – Boronia
Education and Training Award
Deakin University - Geelong
Digital Technology Award
Envato - Melbourne
Victorian Women in International Business Award
Cyan Ta’eed (Envato) – Melbourne
Victorian Exporter of the Year
Ego Pharmaceuticals – Braeside
Victorian Export Award for Innovation Excellence
Wordpoly – Lynbrook