APAC Insider is excited to announce the return of the Australian Enterprise Awards for an eighth consecutive year! Australia represents nearly a quarter of our 105,000-strong circulation base, and so over the years we have been committed to shining a light on the very best of Australian business. Australia is known for its diverse and resilient economy, with the country experiencing an uninterrupted period of growth over the three decades prior to the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020. In the years following the pandemic, Australian industry has experienced various challenges but has been recovering at a quicker rate than many of the world’s other top economies. In fact, Australia currently ranks as the twelfth largest GDP worldwide, which it has achieved despite its much smaller population in comparison to the countries placing higher in the list. Australia’s economy generates over $4.5 trillion in output, with the Manufacturing sector being the biggest contributor to this at a fifteen percent share of total output. In terms of revenue, Banking and Finance is Australia’s biggest industry, generating over $360 billion in 2023. Today’s financial landscape is increasingly turbulent, with volatile inflation rates, stunted revenue growth, rising funding costs, and regulatory issues just a few of the challenges faced by the sector. These hurdles do, however, also present a lucrative opportunity to those who can adapt to changing customer demands and fulfil the latest technology and sustainability standards that are transforming the Finance industry. Technology and digital adoption are a major influence not just on Finance, but on multiple segments of the Australian business landscape. The Healthcare and Retail sectors are both evolving rapidly, with digitalisation at the core of this transformation. Companies who can effectively harness developments in automation, data analytics, and personalisation will improve their efficiencies, drive growth, and provide a more streamlined customer experience. A 2020 survey of CEOs by professional services group PwC showed that 73% of Australian CEOs view the speed of technological change as an obstacle to their business growth. This statistic reveals just how much a company can benefit if they are able to stay on top of this trend and implement digital technology into their operations ahead of their competition. Through the Australian Enterprise Awards 2024, APAC Insider will recognise the key players driving innovation across the variety of sectors that make up Australia’s dynamic business market. We consider submissions from large organisations and SMEs, at company and individual level, and use a strict merit-based approach to assess all nominees. Those successful in the programme will be provided with a free-of-charge marketing toolkit to celebrate their award. As well as this, APAC Insider also offers the chance to upgrade to one of our bespoke commercial packages, for those really looking to get the most out of their success. These include extended coverage in the dedicated Australian Enterprise Awards supplement, as well as a range of physical and digital winners’ items designed to maximise the promotional benefits of inclusion. If you would like to submit yourself or a deserving candidate you know for consideration in the Australian Enterprise Awards 2024, simply click the ‘Vote Now’ button and follow the instructions provided. We wish all those taking part the best of luck this year!