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Martin Chimes; CEO; Unistraw International Limited has won the Ernst & Young Eastern Region Entrepreneur of the Year for Retail, Consumer and Industrial Products.
21 August 2007
Adventure canoeing off the hippo and crocodile infested Oliphant’s River, competing in the arduous “Roof of Africa” and “Trans Kalahari” off road motor cycle rallies through desert and mountain terrain were early examples of Martin Chimes spirit, determination to succeed, willingness to discover, enduring discipline and love of competition. When Martin directed his energy and focus to business, his uncanny ability to recognise and capitalise on future market trends and innovative opportunities flourished.
As the first and only global award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates entrepreneurs who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses. Launched in 2001, The Australian Entrepreneur of the Year awards program is conducted in five regions. The winners from each region compete later this year for the title of 2007 Australian National Entrepreneur of Year.
Highlights of Martin Chimes dynamic and successful career to date include; 1992 – 1996 Martin steered Macquarie Stationery Company into a lead role in consolidating the Office Supplies Industry in Australia and an IPO in 1995. Martin negotiated the merger with USA based Corporate Express and the subsequent acquisition of 12 competitors in Australia, converting Corporate Express into Australia’s largest Office Supplies company and an industry leader. Martin retired from Corporate Express in late 1996
1997, Martin recognised that there was an opportunity in developing the Car Wash industry in Australia, with changing lifestyles and water shortages car washing was a potential boom industry. He started CK Group Australia Pty Ltd to grow the automatic car washing industry in Australia. He remains the major shareholder of the company that is the premier supplier of Autowash equipment and related products.
2000, Martin became a founding shareholder of World Brands Management Pty Limited, the license holder and distributor of the Diesel Brand of footwear, a key supplier to all leading fashion footwear retailers.
2003 – 2005 Joined the Board of the Veterinary Science Foundation at Sydney University in 2000 and acted as President. During this time the Veterinary Science Faculty became a model of a self help faculty (as described by the Chancellor) at a time when government funding was restricted. The Foundation helped build relationships with the wider community and business to get research funding and build modern clinical training facilities.
2005, Unistraw International Limited was established with Martin at the helm. The launch product Sipahh™ Milk Flavouring Straws has proven to be ‘on trend’, filling a gap in the market for a fun, convenient and nutritious dairy beverage product. More than 35 partners in over 100 countries to date have signed Sipahh™ distribution agreements. Unistraw International Limited is also building a strategic partnership with McDonald’s on an international level.
Martin is a serial entrepreneur - constantly challenging himself in different industries with various business ventures. He has always sought to pioneer either a new idea or a new business methodology. Whilst Martin has achieved enormous success he has also faced every conceivable obstacle in developing his various businesses. Martin believes “success is generated by self discipline; this is one element that has been and is consistent in my life - I do what needs to be done!”
Click on the link to see Martin Chimes in the Entrepreneur Of The Year – Video http://eoy.spinifexinteractive.com/martin_chimes.html
Further information; Lisa Kable – Corporate PR Manager 0299777874 / 0410038545 |
