Brisbane’s construction industry has dominated the major categories in the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.
BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker was named Business Person of the Year, while construction technology company Premier Scaffolds Group took out the prestigious Platinum Award and the Product Innovation Award.
Commercial construction company Rohrig Group won the High-Growth Business Award.
Mr Baker was recognised for his leadership of BESIX Watpac, which has been involved in major Brisbane infrastructure projects including Suncorp Stadium and the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
The company was also recently named preferred builder for Brisbane’s new Olympic and Paralympic Stadium.
Premier Scaffolds Manufacturing won the Product Innovation Award for its patented hybrid scaffolding system, designed to provide lighter, safer and more efficient access solutions.
Its technology has been used on projects including specialised scaffolding for the dome of Brisbane’s Customs House and access systems at the University of Queensland.
Premier Scaffolds Group received the Optus Platinum Award for the year’s most outstanding business success.
Rohrig Group won the High-Growth Business Award after expanding from its Brisbane hospitality-sector origins into a national construction business operating across three major Australian cities.
Twelve businesses and entrepreneurs were recognised at the 21st annual awards, held at Brisbane City Hall on Friday, October 30.
Ord Minnett CEO and Managing Director Karl Morris AO received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Midwife-turned-entrepreneur Remy Tucker was named Young Business Person of the Year for establishing On The House, a social enterprise providing free period products through digitally enabled dispensers in public and commercial bathrooms.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the winners reflected the diversity of Brisbane’s business community.
“Behind every successful Brisbane business are hardworking people who have backed themselves, taken risks and had a go,” he said.
“These businesses aren’t just creating great products and services, they’re creating local jobs, supporting other businesses and helping our economy grow.”
In other awards, Happy Paws Happy Hearts won the Social Enterprise Award for its programs connecting socially isolated people with shelter animals, supporting the wellbeing of both participants and pets.
Love Me Again Market received the Micro Business Award for its weekly second-hand clothing markets, which promote clothing reuse and contribute to Brisbane’s circular economy.
The Equine Practice Company won the Small Business Award for providing specialised education and mental health support to equine veterinarians.
Brisbane technology making a global impact
Biotechnology manufacturer Southern RNA received the Investment in Brisbane Award for its work producing materials used in the development of vaccines.
These include components for personalised vaccines being investigated in a Queensland-led clinical trial targeting childhood brain cancer.
Genics won the International Business Award for its pathogen-testing technology, which is being used across 60 countries to help seafood producers identify disease threats.
ASX-listed technology company Megaport received the Business Transformation Award. The company connects enterprise customers to more than 1000 data centres in over 30 countries.
Marine technology company Aus Ships won the Sustainable Impact in Brisbane Award for its work to reduce emissions in the maritime industry, including development of Australia’s first fully electric commuter ferry.
2026 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards – full winners list
Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award
- Winner: Premier Scaffolds Manufacturing
- Special mention: Megaport
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Small Business Award
- Winner: The Equine Practice Company
- Special mention: Snowscene Travel and Ski Store
Containers for Change Sustainable Impact in Brisbane Award
- Winner: Aus Ships
- Special mention: OzFish
Dentsu High-Growth Business Award
- Winner: Rohrig Group
- Special mention: Grayza
Facilitate International Business Award
- Winner: Genics
- Special mention: iOrthotics
Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award
- Winner: Happy Paws Happy Hearts
- Special mention: Olive Express
JLL Investment in Brisbane Award
- Winner: Southern RNA
Moreton Hire Business Transformation Award
- Winner: Megaport
- Special mention: Premier Scaffolds Group
oOh!Media Micro Business Award
- Winner: Love Me Again Market
- Special mention: Mumbleberry
Port of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year Award
- Winner: Remy Tucker, On The House
The Courier-Mail Business Person of the Year Award
- Winner: Mark Baker, BESIX Watpac
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Winner: Karl Morris AO, Ord Minnett
Optus Platinum Award
- Winner: Premier Scaffolds Group
More information: lmba.com.au
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