Armidale’s New England Mutual branch, Superair and Rob Taber from New England Solar were recognised at the New England North West Business Awards.

After 40 years in business, Mr Taber still finds his work fulfilling, with his enthusiasm no doubt playing a role in earning him the business leader award.

“Over that time I have had a very rewarding experience,” Mr Taber said.

“I’ve been engaged in remote area power systems – going out to remote properties which are being run on diesel generators 

“To switch off that generator and hear the birds is very rewarding.”

Mr Taber has also been working with a Fijian orphanage, with his project giving the establishment hot water for the first time. “It’s been an unbelievable ride,” he said.

“I want to continue to be involved in the industry for as long as possible and to forge ahead with new projects.”

Doing good in the community has also been rewarding for the Armidale New England Mutual branch according to Chief Marketing Darren Schaefer.

With its corporate social responsibility practices making the branch worthy of the Excellence in Sustainability award.

“It has a lot to do with reducing your carbon footprint and but also being a good corporate citizen,” Mr Schaefer said.

“We had an energy audit which suggested a few things that we have taken on board.

“Things like LED lights, replacing old air conditioning units for new on, solar panel 

“But we do quite a bit of social stuff.

“Staff have 16 hours annually to do things in the community, so they could do things like meals on wheels or planting trees, for example.”

Superair was presented the Excellence in Small Business award, with representatives from the organisation to join Mr Taber and New England Mutual staff at the State Business Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, November 28 on Sydney.