Byron and Lismore wholefoods institution Fundies has won a small-business award promoted by the Department of Fair Trading.
Representatives in Hunter, Northern, Southern and Western regional areas were selected by a panel, including NSW Small Business Commissioner Yasmin King.
Fundies won an I love my local business award for their fresh produce and friendly service, according to the department.
Ms King said, ‘the outstanding theme among the entrants, apart from their ties to their local communities, was their superb customer service’.
‘This is the way so many small businesses differentiate themselves,’ she added.
Fair Trading commissioner Rod Stowe said the department often only attracted public attention when a business was doing the wrong thing.
‘This competition highlights good business practice in New South Wales,’ he said. ‘I warmly congratulate all winners of the competition for giving that little bit extra so clearly appreciated by their customers.’
More than 1,000 entrants statewide voted for their favourite local businesses in the People’s Choice award, which this year was won by Sydney Upbeat Music Centre.
A prize also went to the people who nominated a winning entrant from their local area.


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