Local business recognised nationally for hard work

Media release, 7 October 2011

A family owned and operated business in the Riverland has been nominated for ‘Best New Business’ in the National New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) Association Business Awards to be announced in November.

NEIS is a self-employment program funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) that helps eligible unemployed people become self-supporting through establishing and running their own sustainable business.

Knightsgrove Engineering is an engineering, maintenance and fabrication business based in Renmark.  It recently won a major assignment in New South Wales installing new equipment and modifying a processing line for Batlow Apples and is expecting further work from this source.  

Steve Knight directs business operations - offering basic handyman services as well as on-site breakdown maintenance - while his wife Jackie handles administration.

The Knights established the business under the NEIS banner after many years of financial instability and concern for their family’s economic future.

“Having our own business was something we had always thought about but didn’t think possible due to the demands of having a young family,” said Ms Knight.

As a result of increasing economic decline in the Riverland, Steve Knight found himself unemployed in June 2010.

“Business confidence in the area was low, but suddenly starting our own seemed like the only option as jobs were very scarce and we did not want to move.”

Russell Vincent, from Mission Australia, was assigned as the Knights’ NEIS mentor.  

“Russell provided us with the guidance and support that we needed to get Knightsgrove Engineering started and our life back on track,” said Ms Knight.

“Mission Australia NEIS gave us the knowledge and tools to help us realise our strengths and weaknesses as well identify the needs of our potential customers – thus we have been able to address the shortfall of services not covered by our competitors.

“We recognise the need for flexibility in business and in our dealings with current and potential customers.

“NEIS has taught us that the only limits to succeeding are the limits one places on one self,” she said.

Knightsgrove Engineering is leading the way in business confidence in a recovering Riverland economic climate. The winner of the ‘Best New Business’ category will receive $1500.

Contact:  Renae Sullivan, Rann Communication, on (08) 8211 7771 or renae@rann.com.au