Singleton manufacturer Morgan Engineering has capped off a standout year by claiming four major honours, including Business of the Year, at the 2026 Business Hunter Awards.
The company was among the big winners at Friday night’s ceremony at NEX Newcastle, which attracted more than 600 business and community leaders from across the region.
Morgan Engineering also took home Excellence in Large Business, Workplace Health and Wellbeing, while Workshop Operations Manager Brody Nowlan received the Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader Award.
The company has grown from 80 to more than 130 employees, with judges recognising its growth strategy alongside its investment in workforce wellbeing, career development and apprentice training.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the result demonstrated the strength of locally-grown businesses.
“To see a home-grown manufacturing business take out four awards, including Business of the Year, is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the quality of businesses operating in our region,” he said.
“This year’s awards attracted more than 300 entries, the largest number in our 140-year history.”
Mr Nowlan’s award marked another achievement for the Singleton firm.
He joined Morgan Engineering as a 16-year-old apprentice fitter machinist and has since progressed to Workshop Operations Manager, overseeing four operational departments and 67 employees.
Singleton also enjoyed further success on the night, with Business Singleton named Outstanding Local Chamber.
Elsewhere, University of Newcastle Professor Alan Broadfoot received the President’s Award for his contribution to the region through leadership roles with Ampcontrol, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources and the university.
Burton Automotive received the Contribution to the Region Award, recognising its longstanding community partnerships, including its support of Surfest.
Industrial safety technology company SAPHI was inducted into the Business Hunter Hall of Fame and also claimed the Excellence in Innovation Award.
Hume Community Housing General Manager Housing and Impact Jandy McCandless was named Business Leader of the Year, while Watson Wealth Managing Partner Elliot Watson received the corresponding award for businesses with up to 20 employees.
Business Hunter President Glenn Thornton said the record number of entries reflected the diversity of the region’s business community.
“From manufacturers and technology innovators to community leaders and family businesses, these awards celebrate the people and organisations helping create a stronger future for our region,” he said.
Winners of aligned categories will now progress to the Business NSW Awards in Sydney on 30 October.
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