When business owners and employees from the Southern Highlands gathered to celebrate the 2021 local business awards earlier this month, the excitement and relief for many was noticeable. Many of our business owners would never have imagined what a tough year it was going to be for them.

So many of our hard working business owners have come through 2021 facing challenges, restrictions and lockdowns that were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

TO READ THE FULL SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS SPECIAL PUBLICATION CLICK HERE.

For many it was a magnificent honour to have been nominated in such trying times and attendees at the event were just happy to be among fellow Southern Highlanders across the various communities.

The annual gala evening is considered to be the event of the year for local business owners and their staff according to awards founder and Precedent Productions managing director Steve Loe.

"It's the night of nights, with everyone dressed in their best to enjoy a wonderful and very exciting time," he said.

"It's a time where the Southern Highlands business community comes together to cheer for one another, celebrate each other's achievements and enjoy each other's company."

While it is often said that being nominated for any award is as good as winning, it was very pleasing to see so many new businesses take home the big awards this year and be recognised for keeping calm and carrying on in 2021.

There was a host of new faces in the Southern Highlands that are making a name for themselves and despite what the global pandemic has thrown at them, are thriving and planning for bigger and better things.

In addition, it was very exciting to note how many businesses from previous awards nights were present and still going strong.

The resilience and tenacity of our own community and the way we support our local businesses is often what makes the Local Business Awards such a success.

Everyone was thrilled to see their favourite businesses nominated and take home an award.

TO READ THE FULL SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS SPECIAL PUBLICATION CLICK HERE.

Once again the hospitality at Mittagong RSL made the night one to remember and the entertainment was as good as any from previous years.

Many people work hard to make the awards a great success, especially the generous sponsors who make it possible for these awards to take place each year.

Major partners NOVA Employment and Flower Flower along with support partners Wingecarribee Shire Council and White Key Marketing gave their support to the Southern Highlands Local Business Awards this year.