Business News has announced a long-term strategic commercial and creative partnership with branding agency Block, bringing together two WA brands with a shared commitment to innovation, storytelling, community and business leadership.
The partnership will commence with the reinvigoration of the 40under40 Awards program ahead of its 2027 launch, laying the foundation for future initiatives that support and celebrate the business community.
For more than two decades, the 40under40 Awards have recognised the ambition, innovation and leadership shaping Western Australia’s business community.
Since launching in 2002, the awards have become one of the state’s most respected recognition programs, celebrating entrepreneurs, executives and changemakers across a diverse range of industries.
As part of the collaboration, Block will work alongside Business News on a strategic and creative evolution of the 40under40 Awards, including brand positioning, visual identity, storytelling, audience engagement and overall program experience.
The announcement follows a significant year for Block, which was recently named Campaign Brief WA Agency of the Year at this year’s Oasis Ball, recognition of the agency’s growing impact and creative leadership within the Western Australian market.
Business News marketing manager, Karlee Barrett said the partnership was an opportunity to build on the strong legacy of the awards while ensuring the program continues to evolve alongside WA’s changing business landscape.
“The 40under40 Awards have played an important role in recognising and connecting many of Western Australia’s leading young business figures over the past 20-plus years,” she said.
“As the business community evolves, it’s important that the program evolves with it. We were looking for a partner that understands both brand and audience, and Block Branding brings a strong strategic and creative capability to this next phase of the awards.”
Founded in Perth, Block Branding has built a reputation for delivering commercially driven branding and creative work across a wide range of sectors. The agency combines strategic thinking with storytelling and design to help organisations strengthen audience connection and brand relevance.
Block’s co-founder and chief creative officer Mark Braddock said the opportunity to help shape the future of the 40under40 Awards was both exciting and meaningful.
“My co-founder Tanya Sim and I are both 40under40 alumni. So there's something fitting about being the ones to help evolve it, an award that gave early credibility to Block when we were still proving ourselves,” he said.
“But this isn't nostalgia. The 40under40 has real currency in the WA business community. Our job is to make sure the program earns that attention for the next generation, not just celebrate it.”
While further details of the refreshed 2027 program will be unveiled progressively over the coming months, the shared future ambition between Business News and Block is clear: to create impactful initiatives that strengthen connections, celebrate success and support the continued growth of Western Australia's business community.
