The winners of the 2011 City of Sydney Business Awards were revealed earlier this week, with retro boutique Oobi Baby and Kids taking out the top award – Business of the Year.
Oobi Baby and Kids was launched in 2003 by 1950s fashion lover Alex Riggs, who set out to create a new style of clothing that pushes the boundaries of childrenswear and allows kids to develop their own signature style.
Now, eight years on, Oobi has become a global brand with stockists across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the United States, Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.
As well as being named Business of the Year, Oobi Baby and Kids also took out the Specialty Retail and Wholesale category at the awards, which were held at the Westin Hotel in Sydney.
“When I was running my last business, I realised that my real passion lay in designing and creating unique children’s clothing – so I took a chance and decided to change direction, and Oobi was born!” Riggs said.
“Now, being recognised by the City of Sydney awards has shown that a young woman with an idea can turn a passion into a real business with real influence and a strong presence just 10 years later… It also shows that being ethical, inclusive and generous does not have to be mutually exclusive with being a professional and successful company.
Other winners in the 2011 City of Sydney Business Award included:
Business of the Year – Oobi Baby and Kids
Small Business of the Year – two black sheep
ANZ Fast Starter Award – Ecrusing.travel
Microsoft IT Innovation Award – City Clinic
Lord Mayor’s Sustainability Award – Park Regis City Centre
Professional, Business and Financial Services – Armstrong Legal
Education and Training – Australian Businesswomen’s Network
Bicycle Business – Bike Brain
Pubs, Hotels, Nightclubs and Venues – Bowlers’ Club at 99 ON YORK
Healthcare and Fitness – City Clinic
Small Bars – CORRIDOR
Food and Beverage Retail – Cracka Wines
Environmental Business – GreenCollar Group
Tourism – Harvest Pilgrimages
Retail Beauty – Lawson’s Men’s Hair
Community and Social Services – Life Changing Experiences Foundation
Restaurants – Mizuya
Retail Fashion – Moi Moi Fine Jewellery
Specialty Retail and Wholesale – Oobi Baby and Kids
Household and General Retail – Planet
Accommodation – Quality Hotel Cambridge
Marketing and Communications – RANDEM Group
Cultural and Creative Services – Sydney Eisteddfod
Online Business – Track Me Back
Cafes – two black sheep
Information and Communication Technology – Velteo Pty Ltd
Takeaway Food and Catering Services – WOWCOW
