The hard work and passion from Louise Whitton and her team at Focus on Function was recognised on Friday night when they were announced winners at the New England North West Business Awards.
While the team was excited to go out for the night, Louise said there was no expectation to win any of the five awards they were finalists for but finished with two awards.
“It was very overwhelming and very exciting,” Louise said.
“[The staff] know that we do really good things and look after people really well but, so do a lot of other businesses. To be recognised at that level and then to be off to the State Business Awards [next month] – it is absolutely incredible.”
At just a few years old, the business has stepped up to the demand for rural health services for those with severe and permanent injuries.
While the business has worked hard to build relationships with their clients, Louise said the team is also in a supportive environment where work satisfaction is high on the priority list.
It may have been why Louise won the Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees) and Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under) awards.
“We have just really committed to creating a work environment where people’s strengths are really celebrated and supported,” Louise said.
That support is also translated to the employee’s personal lives by “stepping up and helping” one another.
“We have made sure to recruit people who share our vision and values to make sure the good culture is a part of what we do everyday,” Louise said.
Employees are encouraged to find professional satisfaction while working at Focus on Function. Louise stated that finding what “makes their heart sing” and feeling supported is a combination for people to do well in their profession.
Louise also recognised two team members who were finalists for the Outstanding Employee award; Alina Roper and Jessica Edmunds.
“That was really exciting to see them as finalists for the great work they have done for our team and the community,” Louise said.
Louise brought knowledge and passion as an occupational therapist for 19 years and started Focus on Function in December 2021.
It has now grown in operations and location, with offices in Gunnedah, Tamworth and Armidale.
She attributes the success of the business to hard work, recruiting good people, nurturing relationships and accepting support along with “the commitment to always improving”.
While the team is looking to add more occupational therapists and case managers, there are no immediate plans to further its geographic footprint just yet.
Louise Whitton with her awards for the Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees) and Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under) at the New England North West Business Awards on Friday night.
The Focus on Function team at the business awards.
