Company: Green Door Co, Sydney, NSW
Company Description: We are a PR firm entering for multiple clients as per your Awards Tips
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Materials & Construction - Small
 Nomination Title: Fiddes Australia
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
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- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 199 words used.
Fiddes Australia is a proud importer and distributor of Fiddes timber finishing products manufactured by a fourth-generation family-owned business, Fiddes and Sons, based in Wales, UK. Working out of Melbourne with stockists nationwide, Fiddes Australia provides the DIY market and industry professionals with high-quality, easy-to-apply products. Launched in 2015 with one core product—Hard Wax Oil—we now stock a range of internal and external timber finishing products and accessories such as tinted hard wax oils, decking oils, nitro and lightfast water stains, floor cleaners and filler gels.
Fiddes Australia began when co-founder Melissa Wyness, a flooring contractor, discovered Hard Wax Oil online while searching for more environmentally friendly finishing solutions and immediately recognised its potential for the Australian market. After reaching out to a long-time friend and experienced business professional, Tracie Astin, they acquired their initial samples and negotiated to become Australia and New Zealand’s first distributors.
In 2021, we pivoted our strategy from primarily trade professionals to include supplying the direct-to-consumer markets by distributing our range of products in trade supply and retail stores. In 2022, we updated our digital storefront to leverage a growing online shopping market and made our products more readily available to the everyday consumer.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
Since January 2022, Fiddes Australia’s success has been marked by significant growth, innovation, and industry recognition.
Business Growth
- In 2023, we almost doubled our total number of distributors to 71.
- We've maintained, on average, 15% YOY growth in total unit sales.
- Our e-commerce store gross sales have more than doubled from $92K to over $200K from FY 21/22 to FY 22/23.
- 2019-2022 saw 20%+ growth in revenue each year.
- FY23 saw a modest increase of less than 5% as we focused on investing in our business as a foundation for further growth.
- Our projections for FY24 exceed the $2M milestone.
- Expanded our range to introduce over 20 new products.
- Developed Universal Decking oil and decking cleaner made for Australia’s outdoor living culture.
Staff
- We have focused on staff progression before growth, internally promoting two of our staff in the last two years
- In 2024 we’re recruiting a new warehouse assistant and a Business Development Manager for QLD & WA.
Technology
- Partnered with Right Hand Band to refine our systems and processes, streamlining our operations and service delivery.
- In 2024 we’re introducing a new POS system and CRM.
Recognition
- Finalist in 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
- Awarded Sales Rep of the Year by the Australasian Timber Flooring Association.
- Invited to premier industry events like the IHG convention, the Paint Place Conference and our inclusion in the Hardware & Building Traders (HBT) group.
- CEO Tracie Astin was invited to be a Director of the Board of the Australasian Timber Flooring Association.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 247 words used.
Our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and unique position as the leading Australia and NZ distributor of high-quality Fiddes brand products is underpinned by our commitment to environmental sustainability, which resonates strongly with the Australian community's growing green consciousness.
Our successful expansion into both the retail and trade markets, fuelled by an innovative marketing and product development approach, exceptional product quality and a customer support system that creates long-term loyal followings, has increased turnover and profitability. Our strategic foresight in digital marketing and customer engagement has more than doubled our online sales—a remarkable feat in e-commerce, especially during a challenging financial climate. Targeting both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets needed a versatile and comprehensive marketing approach. Our innovative marketing strategy distinguishes us from competitors who tend to focus on more traditional advertising, and our willingness to leverage current technology and adapt our marketing strategies to suit emerging channels gives us a broader reach and a clear advantage in the globalised digital era.
Much of Fiddes Australia's growth can be attributed to our innovative mindset and market responsiveness. For example, our Universal Decking Oil, developed in collaboration with Fiddes UK specifically for the Australian climate, was so successful it was adopted globally. Since launch, Fiddes Australia has consistently evolved in response to changing market demands. As we expand and innovate our range, product sales diversify, helping build a more dynamic and resilient company that will continue to disrupt the traditional DIY & Professional Home Improvements industry.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 1 words used.
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