Telstra South Australian Business Awards finalists thrive on resilience THE ability to thrive in tough economic times is a shared characteristic of the finalists in this year's Telstra South Australian Business Awards. In their 21st year, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of small to medium enterprises. Among the 20 state finalists were two firms contesting the Micro-Business Award category: Synotronics and Pace Lawyers and Adelaide Legal. Synotronics managing director Tyson Grubb said being nominated showed it was possible for an innovative enterprise to succeed in a difficult trading environment. The Dry Creek-based business operated three specialist websites Instrument Choice, Battery Choice and Scientific Choice. Across its three divisions, Synotronics offered customers scientific and environmental test equipment, batteries and laboratory products. Mr Grubb said in the past financial year, Synotronics had expanded its premises and employed more staff. Furthermore, in the past two years it had grown revenue by 104 per cent. "Our customers have always been the focus of everything we do here at Synotronics," Mr Grubb said. We go out of our way to make sure our customers get the right product for their application. Even if that product is not something we usually stock, we will track it down for them. We find that we have often replied to a customer and helped them to find the product they need before our competitors have responded to their initial inquiry. He said entering the awards had also helped Synotronics identify areas where it could improve. Pace Lawyers and Adelaide Legal principal Serina Pace said focusing on customers and staff had helped her build a successful business. "I came from a commercial law background where the environment was bureaucratic, politicised and highly stressful," she said. I wanted to create a workplace where colleagues could have fun, while still producing high quality work. Pro bono work, community involvement and ongoing professional development were other areas which bolstered the company's success. "The business doesn't operate according to the traditional hierarchy many workplaces adhere to (and instead) it fosters an environment of inclusion and knowledge sharing," Ms Pace said. Telstra Business Group managing director Will Irving said the range and experience of all SA finalists was positive for the local economy. "It is so important that we recognise the businesses that support our local communities and celebrate the significant contribution they make by creating jobs, driving innovation and bringing their expertise and innovations to customers," he said. The Telstra SA Business Awards will be announced on Friday night. Winners will be eligible for the national awards in Sydney on August 22.