An Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-run business boasting clients throughout Asia has taken out a top gong in an awards ceremony.
Aldridge Railway Signals is a supplier of signalling systems used by the railway industry. These turnkey solutions are designed, installed, tested, commissioned and maintained by the company.
It's reputation has grown over the years, to the point where it has been named Indigenous Exporter of the Year at Supply Nation's Supplier Diversity Awards, held in Sydney.
Managing director David Aldridge accepted the award, saying it recognised the company's growing export success. It was one of several success stories recognised in the annual awards celebrating a prosperous, vibrant and sustainable Indigenous business sector.
"We've had a cracker of a year. Last year export markets made up 43 per cent of our turnover, and we're still growing," he said.
"We've been in Indonesia for 15 years, but all of a sudden the top's blown off. We're also doing projects in Malaysia and just completed the first stage of a project in Taiwan."
He encouraged other Indigenous businesses to get out and use their networks and tap into government resources to explore exporting pathways.
"You can't export from behind a computer. You've got to get out, get up and running and see people and prospective clients. You also need Austrade."
Austrade and the NSW Government have helped Aldridge Railway Signals forge export markets, including into Malaysia, Sinagpore, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner (and proud Aboriginal woman) Melanie Harris says Austrade has been a longtime support of the non-profit Supply Nation. It's one of the many organisations the agency partners with to champion First Nations exporters.
"Austrade is committed to assisting First Nations businesses to find international marketes, grow exports and successfully go global. This involves promoting the success of First Nations exporters through initiatives like Suppy Nation's Supplier Diversity Awards," she said.
Find out more about Austrade's support for First Nations businesses.
