Challenging selection process

The fourth annual WA Business News 40under40 Awards attracted a record 178 nominations and more than 100 entries, presenting judges with the difficult task of choosing just 40 winners from some of the state’s most talented and successful young business people.

The 40under40 Awards identify 40 talented Western Australians who have exceptional records of achievement within their particular fields of endeavour. 

Entrants were judged on their career achievements, with weighting also given to any community service performed by candidates.

One of the 40 outstanding business talents is selected as the First Amongst Equals, with this achiever becoming an ambassador for the following year’s awards.

The winner of the First Amongst Equals received two business class tickets to London courtesy of Qantas, and $3,000 of Louis Vuitton luggage to take on the trip.

The 19 judges from a range of business fields had one month over summer to assess all the entries.

The top four nominees were then interviewed by a panel of judges to determine the First Amongst Equals winner.

The awards night was held this week on the steps of Parliament House, the first private function to be held at that location.

About 650 guests attended the event under the stars, and enjoyed catering by Hyder and Shears, entertainment by Steamworks, and wines from Wills Domain, created by last year’s First Amongst Equals winner, Darren Haunold.

Nominations are open to individuals from any endeavour, and the search will continue for Western Australia’s most talented young business people when entries for the 2006 40under40 Awards open from October 13 2005.