Thursday, 23 September 2021
Luke Timmins (28) of Adelaide & Hills Lawns & Gardens has snatched up the coveted 2021 award for ‘South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ last night at a ceremony held at the National Wine Centre.
Graduating from the South Australian Business Chamber’s South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme ‘SAYES’ program, Luke was thrilled to receive the award that recognised his hard work and achievements over the last 12 months.
Adelaide & Hills Lawns & Gardens was launched in 2015 by Luke and business partner Jarrad Tait and they provide garden maintenance, landscaping and tree services to residential and commercial clients.
Defining their purpose as providing the highest standard of service to their customers so they can enjoy their outdoor space without having to get their hands dirty, they have focused heavily on building a positive culture and a strong team. It is paying dividends for the business.
During the last 12 months while participating in the SAYES program, the business has experienced a 65 per cent growth in revenue, 53 per cent growth in profit and 11 per cent employee growth.
“It’s been a fantastic and rewarding program and it is an honour to win the award” said Luke as he received his award on stage last night.
Jenny Briggs, the South Australian Business Chamber Executive Director, Programs and Employer Solutions says: “Luke has put his heart and soul into learning and developing a comprehensive business plan over the last 12 months”.
“It’s very special to have one of our regional participants from the Adelaide Hills take the top award this year”.
Celebrating its 23rd continuous year this evening, the SAYES program is designed to nurture, grow and scale start-up and early-stage businesses for South Australians under the age of 35 years.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO Martin Haese says: “We are proud to present the SAYES program and the work we do with budding young entrepreneurs to help them realise their business goals.”.
“We thank the Department for Innovation and Skills for partnering with us to provide this program, which has supported over 700 young South Australians over the last 23 years”.
“These young entrepreneurs are setting the bar high for the future of South Australian business”.
“I can say with great confidence that the future is very bright for everyone who graduated this evening.” said Mr Haese
Also awarded this evening:
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni announced a further two years of funding for the South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme (SAYES) through the State Government’s Research and Innovation Fund (RIF).
“The Marshall Government is proud to support the next two SAYES cohorts a with $176,000 grant to the South Australian Business Chamber through the Research and Innovation Fund,” said Minister Pisoni.
“SAYES is a wonderful entrepreneurship program, helping young people turn their ideas into viable businesses.”
“Young entrepreneurs are vital to our community – driving fresh ideas and future thinking that adds to our state’s vibrancy and economic growth.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s graduates. We look forward to seeing your businesses thrive in the years to come.
