Plumber’s local success earns inaugural business honour

Andrew Hardy from Hardy & Sons Plumbing, right, accepted the award from Nambour Chamber of Commerce Vice President Brian Bugenhagen.

A family-run Nambour plumbing business has been named the inaugural Nambour Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month award recognising the businesses helping keep the town’s economy and community spirit thriving.

Hardy & Sons Plumbing owner Andrew Hardy accepted the May award at the chamber’s Coffee Catch-Up at Burnside State High School, where vice-president Brian Bugenhagen said small businesses were “the heartbeat of our town”.

“You create local jobs, you sponsor 40 clubs and community groups. You keep our main street alive and you back each other when times are tough,” Mr Bugenhagen said.

He said the new monthly award would recognise outstanding local businesses, with each recipient nominating the next winner.

Mr Hardy said he was honoured to accept the first award, but said the recognition reflected the wider strength of Nambour’s business community. “Yes, thank you for the award, but really this is more of a win for Nambour,” he said.

“The only reason we’ve been able to grow and succeed is because of the support from our community and the genuine desire that people have to support local businesses.”

Hardy & Sons Plumbing is based in Price Street and employs seven plumbers and two young local apprentices. Mr Hardy said the business had built its name on being prompt, reliable and professional, with services ranging from leak detection and gas fitting to drainage, rural plumbing, renovations, council permit work and commercial plumbing.

He said the business had also launched a “pay it forward” initiative in December, partnering with local businesses to give $50 vouchers to four customers each month.

“There’s a catch. It has to be used within the month, and it has to be used all at once,” he said. “We don’t want it sitting in their wallet. We want that money flowing straight back into our local community.”

The initiative has already directed more than $1000 into local businesses including Small Change, Black Bunny Cafe and Amaroo Day Spa.

Mr Hardy nominated PowerCurve Automotive as the next recipient, praising its workmanship, customer care and support for local businesses.