New South Wales family businesses recognised for excellence.

The New South Wales chapter of Family Business Australia (FBA) held its inaugural Hall of Fame last night to celebrate the outstanding contribution that family businesses make to the state's economy, community and culture. 

Doltone House, AH Beard and Raine & Horne were recognised for excellence in their industry and for commitment to long term sustainable success.  FBA's national Chairman, Andy Kennard, was delighted with the calibre of the New South Wales businesses nominated.  "These businesses exemplify successful, multi-generational family businesses.  Today's leaders continue to build on the reputation for quality their parents and grandparents worked so hard to establish.  A continuing entrepreneurial drive, determination, hard work and resilience has resulted in extraordinary success for these family businesses", said Mr. Kennard.

The Doltone House empire began with a humble fruit shop in Lakemba where the family lived above the shop.  The Founder, Biaggio Signorelli,  sensed opportunities in the hospitality industry and purchased his first venue in 1973.  Today, Biaggio's three children, Paul, Nina and Anna have expanded the portfolio to include three iconic venues at Sylvania Waters, Jones Bay Wharf and Darling Island Wharf, with a fourth venue, Hyde Park due to open on Sydney's Elizabeth Street in 2013.  “We strive for excellence and are committed to exceeding our client expectations at each and every event”, said Paul Signorelli, Executive Chairman, Doltone House.

From small beginnings of hand-tufted horsehair mattresses in 1899, A.H. Beard, has risen to become Australia’s premier manufacturer of quality handcrafted mattresses and bedding.  The family tradition of building quality beds continues with Garry and Allyn Beard now positioned at the head of this iconic family business.   In 2012, AH Beard embarked on an international growth strategy with the development of a retail chain across China.

Raine & Horne is one of the oldest privately owned firms in the southern hemisphere, surviving world wars, booms, busts and depressions.  In 1883, real estate pioneers Tom Raine and Joseph Horne started their property firm and by the 1970s, the Raine & Horne network stretched across Sydney.  Today, the Raine & Horne operates in every state in Australia and has offices in Malaysia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Dubai, the UK, Hong Kong and Indonesia.  The current  CEO, Angus Raine, is determined that Raine & Horne will continue to be a market leader in the industry.

The Hall of Fame ceremony took place at Family Business Australia’s end of year gala dinner on 22nd November 2012, at Doltone House Darling Island Wharf Pyrmont.