Behind every successful business is a story that often extends beyond revenue, growth and market share.
It's a story about people. Teams that solve problems; leaders who make difficult decisions; clients who place their trust in a business; and families who support the journey along the way.
For Bennco Engineering managing director Stephen Tormey, people have been central to the company's success from the very beginning.
Asked about the most important lesson his business has learned so far, his response is simple: "Our people are our future."
It's a philosophy that resonates across many successful Western Australian organisations. While industries continue to evolve and markets change, businesses that invest in their people often create the strongest foundations for long-term success.
That commitment to people also shapes how Mr Tormey approaches leadership.
One of the key habits that has helped Bennco Engineering succeed has been using the company's core values to guide decision-making.
"I look at how my decision aligns with health, family, success, happiness and loyalty," Mr Tormey says.
In an increasingly complex business environment, values can serve as a powerful framework for navigating challenges and opportunities alike. They help create consistency, build culture and provide clarity when important decisions need to be made.
Trust, meanwhile, remains another essential ingredient.
When asked what advice he would offer other companies striving to make an impact, Mr Tormey pointed to the importance of empowering teams.
"Build trust in your team. Amazing things can happen when the team trust each other," he says.
It's a lesson that many high-performing organisations have discovered. Strong businesses are rarely built by individuals alone. They are built by teams united by a shared purpose and confidence in one another.
Western Australia's business community has long been recognised for this collaborative spirit.
For Mr Tormey, one of the most exciting aspects of doing business in the state is the relationships that emerge along the way. "It’s the partnerships we build with clients."
Across industries, successful businesses understand that long-term relationships often create more value than short-term transactions. Strong partnerships help businesses grow, innovate and navigate changing market conditions together.
These are the types of stories that the WA Business Awards seek to celebrate each year.
While the awards recognise excellence across a broad range of categories, they also shine a light on the leadership, culture and people that drive business success behind the scenes.
For many finalists and winners, the experience provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey and acknowledge the contribution of those who helped make it possible.
Sometimes, those moments become memories that last far beyond the awards themselves.
Reflecting on his standout moment from the 2025 WA Business Awards, Mr Tormey's highlight wasn't simply hearing his company's name announced as a winner.
"The highlight was certainly having my dad over from Ireland to witness our company winning our category," he says.
While awards recognise business achievement, they also celebrate the personal journeys, sacrifices and support networks behind every success story.
For businesses considering putting themselves forward for this year’s awards, Mr Tormey's advice is clear and direct: "Do it," he says.
The WA Business Awards provide organisations with an opportunity to recognise their teams, celebrate their achievements and share their story with the wider business community.
And as many past participants have discovered, the value often extends well beyond the award itself. It's also about taking a moment to recognise the people who made the journey possible.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 WA Business Awards. Enter here | https://www.businessnews.com.au/WA-Business-Awards
