On Saturday 28 July a gala dinner was held at Belmont 16s to celebrate successful businesses at the 2018 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.

The aim of the awards is to recognise businesses operating in the City of Lake Macquarie that provide exemplary products and services. From world-class product developers to digital innovators, accounting firms to manufacturers, the award finalists showcased the diversity of businesses thriving within our city.

This year's finalists were a true reflection of the diversity and quality of businesses within Lake Macquarie. A significant number of finalists across the 14 categories operate in my electorate of Charlestown.

Iwas extremely proud that Warners Bay accounting firm Precision Taxation Accounting & Management won the Excellence in Digital Technology award as well as Business of the Year.

To top the night off, Kelly Eke from Precision Taxation Accounting & Management won the Excellence in Customer Service as an individual award.

I congratulate all the finalists on their outstanding performance over the past year and look forward to more success in 2018.