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Australia's Best Managed Companies

Have what it takes to be the best?

What is a Best Managed Company?

Best Managed Companies personifies outstanding Australian businesses and what drives them to be the best. Our Best Managed Companies program uses a tried and tested framework for determining success.

Developed from over 30 years of insights from Deloitte Canada’s program, it focuses on four pillars which a business is benchmarked across:

  • Strategy: Best Managed Companies apply a formal methodology for strategy development, ensure the strategy reflects all stakeholders, have the right capabilities/metrics in place and clearly and consistently communicate the strategy to all levels of the organisation
  • Culture and Commitment: Best Managed Companies build a strong corporate culture and legacy, actively develop their people and leadership team, provide a holistic compensation system, create an inclusive culture and address continuity issues within the company.
  • Capabilities and Innovation: Best Managed Companies develop valuable capabilities and resources, are highly execution-oriented, are focused on productivity and innovation, and are thoughtful about hiring the right people to execute their business model and strategy.
  • Governance and Financials: Best Managed Companies install strong governance structures, use KPIs to manage their progress, maintain a strong balance sheet, and apply the financial discipline required to drive revenue growth, improve operating margin, and increase asset efficiency.

Learn more about Global Best Managed Companies.

Companies who want to apply must meet the following criteria:

  • Revenue greater than AUD $100million in the most recent year of business
  • Australian-owned private company; OR
  • Foreign-owned, Australian-based (global) headquarters; private company where management team resides in Australia; OR
  • Australian-owned portfolio company controlled by Australian venture capital and Australian private equity firms (greater than 50%); OR
  • Australian-owned public company with fewer than 50% of their shares or units traded
  • Been in operation for more than three years with financial documentation

The following companies are ineligible:

  • Australian-owned public companies with more than 50% of their shares or units traded;
  • Credit unions, banks, mutual or co-operative insurance companies;
  • Co-operatives
  • Subsidiaries of a foreign owned parent where GLOBAL HQ or management is NOT located in Australia;
  • Charities and not-for-profit;
  • Government/public sector agencies.
  • Partnerships

Additionally, all companies will be subject to independence review and verification. For questions concerning eligibility, please contact aubestmanaged@deloitte.com.au. 

To be considered for Best Managed Companies, new applicants must go through a two phase application process.

  • Step 1: Register for the program (Phase 1) Register for the program by completing the Phase 1 online application form. All companies deemed eligible are then invited to complete a further more detailed submission.
  • Step 2: Complete your submission (Phase 2) Companies shortlisted for the Phase 2 process will work with coaches from Deloitte Private in a 1 on 1 executive team lab prior to completing their submission.
  • Step 3: Review of your submission Submissions are reviewed by coaches and an independent judging panel.
  • Step 4: Awarding Winners will be announced at the annual Symposium and Award celebration event in March 2024.

Shortlisted businesses not only receive opportunities to promote their success to customers, shareholders and employees, but gain a 360 degree view of their business. Through the application process and in partnership with your Coach, you’ll deep dive into the pillars of business best practice to discover where your strengths and opportunities lie. In addition to your dedicated Coach, you’ll also have access to our exclusive alumni community. Our Best Managed Companies program does more than recognise success – it sets a foundation for even more of it.

Benefits for all applicants

  • Independent view of business and benchmark framework
  • Coaching process including insights on company’s strategy and performance
  • Best Managed Lab at no charge for leadership team to dig deep into program pillars, facilitated by Deloitte experts

Benefits for winners

  • Increased market visibility and credibility through exclusive use of Best Managed Companies brand, both nationally and globally
  • Strengthened ability to attract and retain top talent through use of trusted Best Managed credential
  • Rich networking opportunities among a global community with other business leaders and sponsors at exclusive events throughout the year
  • National, regional, and social media exposure
  • Professional development through year-round learning opportunities
  • Exclusive use of the Best Managed Companies designation
  • Celebration of the entire company’s efforts at annual winners’ event and invitations to local and global events.

Registrations

How does a company apply to be part of Australia’s Best Managed Companies program? 
Companies can register for the program via the Best Managed Companies website here.

How long does it take a company to apply online?
The phase one registration process should take a representative of your company no longer than 20-30 minutes to complete. The representative must be an appropriately authorised director or employee of the company applying.

Is my company guaranteed a place to participate in the Best Managed Program for 2023?
Your phase one application will be reviewed by Deloitte to determine eligibility and in consultation with our co-sponsors (where appropriate) we will confirm with you soon after registration. As a global organisation, Deloitte must adhere to strict independence requirements.

Is there a fee to apply?
There is no fee to apply and participate in the program.

Is there a deadline to apply?
Registrations for Australia’s Best Managed Companies 2023 program have now closed. 

 

Lab Sessions

How does the lab coaching process work?
Deloitte Partner coaches are assigned to assist your company with the application process, including facilitating a 3-hour lab (workshop). The lab is structured to deep dive into the four key pillars of the global best managed companies program framework being i) strategy, ii) culture, iii) innovation capabilities and iv) finance and governance.It’s during the lab that the coaches will draw out your company’s strengths and identify any areas for further improvement, against the key global benchmarks in each of these pillars.

Do I need to prepare anything for the lab?
No formal preparation for the lab is required by your company.

Who is required to be present in the lab?
The most appropriate attendees should be your company key decision makers who understand the business strategy, operations and finance. Therefore, we recommend CEOs, CFOs, CHRO’s, COOs, CSOs, MDs and CMOs.

Who attends the labs from Deloitte?
The lab will involve your assigned Deloitte Partner Coach, your Deloitte Lead Client Service Partner (if applicable), a facilitator and if beneficial an additional SME expert.

What happens after the lab?
We provide your company with summarised lab notes captured by the facilitator and other Deloitte team members. This information will assist your company in completing your written submission online for final assessment. The final application is submitted online using your Best Managed Companies registered login.

Application submission

How long does the online submission take to complete?
This part comprises questions across four key pillars of global benchmarking addressed in the lab session. Different questions may need to be completed by the most relevant person/s in your company. We often find the marketing team in a company is best placed to support this process. We would expect your online submission to take no longer than 6 hours in total which may include review by your coach prior to submitting.

What else is required?
The award submission also requires your logo files, audited financial statements and any other voluntary relevant documentations to support your submission.

Can I save my information and come back to complete my online application at a later stage?
Yes, an applicant can save and return to complete an application by logging into their profile via the registration link.

Can I share access to the portal to complete the submission?
No, we ask that the questions be completed by one contact in your company who is able to consolidate the required input for each of the questions. We often see the submission completed by a Business Development or Marketing contact.

What is the privacy policy regarding the handling of information?
More information about how Deloitte will handle your personal information, how you can lodge a complaint, how you can contact us, and how you may access and seek correction of your information is set out in our Privacy Policy.
For any other enquiries you can contact the privacy review team at privacy@deloitte.com.au.

What happens after my Best Managed Company application is submitted online?
You will receive an automated confirmation when it has been successfully submitted. Your submission will be sent to our independent Judges for careful review. The Judges will nominate your company as Best Managed if you meet the Global benchmark to be deemed a Best Managed Company. You will be notified before the Symposium & Gala event of the outcome.

What happens if my application for Best Managed Company is not successful?
One of the most important aspects of the Best Managed Companies program is the opportunity that the program provides for your company to be part of a global ecosystem of like-minded companies that are focused on continuous improvement. The award, while beneficial, is one element of a very comprehensive long-running program.

Australia’s Best Managed Companies program aims to inspire, celebrate and build a community of private businesses that are creating a better future. A leading business awards program, recognising excellence in private Australian-owned companies, it celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, determination and innovation of the private business community.

The following four commitments illustrate the programme’s core expectations of winning companies:

 1. Integrity

As a Best Managed company, we will act lawfully, honestly, ethically and with integrity towards our customers, employees, vendors and stakeholders.

Best Managed companies are truthful and honest about the business information provided to the Best Managed program:

·       Best Managed companies must abide by Australian law

·       Best Managed candidates will not exert undue influence upon program coaches, sponsors, or judges

·       Best Managed companies must update any change in business affecting their designation (ownership, financial, legal) when re-qualifying year over year

Treat interactions with program sponsors, partners and their staff with the same honesty and integrity that you would apply within your own organisation.


2. Foster diversity, equity and inclusion

All Best Managed companies have a role to play in helping Australia on the path to a more inclusive environment. As a member of this community, we foster a culture and working environment where people treat each other with respect, courtesy and fairness, promoting equal opportunity for all.

·       Actively build an anti-racist capability to start making intentional changes within your organisation

·       Embed gender and diversity-smart approaches into recruitment & development, including performance management, promotion, succession and pay processes

·       Create and support cultural awareness programs and learnings for all employees

·       Implement employee assistance programs related to diversity, equity inclusion and accessibility so employees can feel comfortable and bring their whole selves to work

·       Provide DE&I training for all members of the organisation

·       Provide flexible and accessible work arrangements and remote work opportunities where applicable

 

3. Commitment to upholding the standard of the Best Managed program designation through the four pillars

As a Best Managed company, we commit to upholding quality among the four pillars (Strategy, Capabilities and Innovation, Culture and Commitment, Governance and Financials), and the program brand standards and identity.

Upholding brand standards

·       The Best Managed designation represents 29 years of strong global best managed companies that are the economic engines of their countries. The brand is a result of the outstanding companies in the program and is recognised all around the world. As a Best Managed company, we agree to uphold this brand legacy and follow brand and logo guidelines, for the Australian community of Best Managed companies.

·       Uphold program brand standards consistent with the four pillars (Strategy, Capabilities & Innovation, Culture & Commitment, Governance & Financials).

·       Proper use of current logo by awarded entity (see ‘Logo use with affiliated companies’).

·       Proper use of designation naming convention – “Australia’s Best Managed Companies”.

·       Logo use permitted for duration of program year. Must be removed immediately should the company chose not to re-apply, or become ineligible.

Commitment to upholding the standard of the Best Managed program designation through the four pillars

·       Continuously evolve and improve upon your strategy

·       Drive a culture of innovation and productivity

·       Foster a purpose-led culture

·       Put your customers and employees first

·       Drive year over year revenue growth through strong strategy, governance and operational efficiency

 4. Best Managed community role model

We commit to participate in the Best Managed community through program activities & events, while treating all members with dignity and respect. We also commit to be a respectable citizen within society and doing our part to build a positive future for Australia’s economy.

·       Participate in Best Managed programming and events

·       Act as a mentor to new members of the Best Managed community

·       Engage in social media conversation with Best Managed community (#BestManaged)

·       Act as a Best Managed brand ambassador, abiding by the terms under ‘Upholding brand standards’

·       Contribute to Best Managed objective of ‘making all businesses better’ by participating in research (i.e., surveys, case studies), panels and speaking opportunities

These terms and conditions apply to the Best Managed Companies program (“Program”) provided and facilitated in Australia by Deloitte.

1. Your Information

a. You acknowledge and agree that all information provided in the Program Entry Form, or given subsequently as part of the due diligence, Applicant Lab and judging process (collectively ‘Entry Information’) is correct and up-to-date.

b. By submitting the Entry Information, you confirm that you have the authority and appropriate permission and consent from your Company and those individuals referred to in the Entry Information to provide this information to Deloitte.

c. Deloitte acknowledges that all Entry Information is provided for the purposes of determining your eligibility for receiving the Best Managed Companies
certification. The Entry Information will not be disclosed by Deloitte except
on a confidential basis to the Program judging panel. Your information may also be shared with third parties that provide administrative, technical or support services to Deloitte for the purposes of the Program. We will ensure that your information is protected by those third parties to the same standards that we use to protect our own information here at Deloitte.

d. You agree that Entry Information gathered during the entry process can be retained and used for benchmarking and to develop insights and trends into what makes a business a Best Managed company in the country of application.

e. As part of entering the Program, you give us permission to contact you regarding the Program and its associated activities. This may occur through electronic messaging or other forms of communication. We may, on occasion, update you with news, information and other relevant initiatives that Deloitte believes will interest you. You may unsubscribe from these communications by selecting the unsubscribe link contained within the communications or by contacting the Program team.

f. If any Personal Information is contained within the Program Entry Form, you confirm that you have collected that Personal Information in accordance with the data protection or privacy laws applicable in the country where the individual concerned is located and such individual has authorised the disclosure to and use of their Personal Information by and they have been informed of their right to access and request correction of their Personal Information. Our Privacy Policy will apply to any Personal Information provided to us which can be accessed here.

2. Best Managed Lab

a. By submitting the Entry Information, you confirm that members of your leadership team will be available to attend the Applicant Lab on a mutually agreeable date and location.

b. You acknowledge that the Applicant Lab is designed to facilitate the Program certification process and should not in any way be considered Deloitte advice or recommendation or otherwise.

c. You acknowledge that Deloitte, its member firms, related entities, partners, employees or agents shall not be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with you relying on insights, discussions or communications or otherwise, shared during and in connection to the Applicant Lab, or through the judging and award of the Program Certification.

3. Judging and post-application period

a. Deloitte reserves the right to:

i. conduct due diligence in relation to your Entry Information up to the point the Program Certifications are announced. In our sole discretion, we reserve the right to disqualify you from entry or receiving the Program Certification based on the results of any due diligence conducted.

ii. amend, vary, extend or discontinue the Program, including how your participation in the Program is publicised, at any time and for any reason.

iii. withdraw your Program Certification if you no longer meet the Program criteria, or you otherwise act in a manner that could bring Deloitte and/or the Program into disrepute.

b. The decision of the external Program Judging Panel will be final and no further correspondence will be entered into.

4. Branding and Logo

a. Once awarded, you may use the Best Managed Companies logo and associated branding on any promotional materials (including relevant websites) in alignment with the
Deloitte brand guidelines. Deloitte reserves the right to request alteration or removal of the logo or other Program material at any point in time. Use of the Best Managed Companies logo excludes any right to reference or use the Deloitte name, logo or marks on any promotional material.

5. Acknowledgements

By entering the Program, you acknowledge and agree that you

a. accept these terms and conditions; and

b. provide Deloitte with a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty free and transferable licence to use and reproduce the name of the entrant (including any associated trademark or business name) and any non-financial information, photographs, videos, voice recordings, media coverage or other promotional material relating to the entrant and its directors, shareholders, employees, contractors or consultants participation in the Program for marketing purposes. You waive any claims to royalty, right or remuneration for such use and acknowledge you have the consent of any director, employee, contractor or consultant for this waiver.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties.
DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own
acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

    Meet our judges

    John is a highly influential leader experienced at leading, growing and innovating business on a global stage. He has deep cross-industry expertise in strategy, risk, finance, technology impact, innovation, geopolitics and governance and excels at developing people and building strong relationships.

    During John’s time as Deloitte’s Global CSO, Deputy Chair of the Global Board and Asia Pacific CSO, Deloitte became the largest professional services firm in the world. It continuously outgrew all global competitors with a CAGR of approximately 10%, revenues of US$50Billion and 330,000 people.

    His strategic mindset combined with expertise in understanding the impacts of technology on businesses and business models helped him lead the transformation of Deloitte into an organisation that operates at the leading edge of technological change.

    John is accomplished at working across cultures and with world leaders and is sought after as a facilitator and speaker at global meetings and conferences such as the World Economic Forum at Davos and Dalian, and the World AI Conference in Shanghai.

    John is an experienced Director having spent four years as the Deputy Chair of Deloitte’s Global Board. He has been a mentor and trusted advisor to CEOs and board directors and has coached many executives into CEO roles. He is passionate about helping people realise their potential and encourages people to think differently about what matters most, while creating a supportive environment where leaders can refine their thinking, enabling them to perform better in the public domain.

    Natasha Hawker is the Managing Director of Employee Matters and a leader in the Australian HR space. She is a sought-after speaker, author, podcaster, and media commentator, as well as a graduate of the Australian Company Directors course. Natasha's book, "From Hire to Fire & Everything In Between," is an Amazon bestseller. She leads the Employee Matters Group in helping business owners with their people management and has turned her attention to mentoring and advising business owners. Employee Matters was also a 2023 State Finalist in the Telstra Best of Business Awards in the Promoting Sustainability category.

    Nerissa is a sales leader who is passionate about helping customers achieve digital transformation and innovation through the adoption of cloud technologies.  Nerissa has been at Google for 12 years in roles spanning Advertising, Partnerships, and Technology, and before Google held various roles in technology sales in web and app development and systems integration.  Nerissa is a committed advocate for DEI. She leads the Allyship pillar for Google Australia's Pride Employee Resource Group and is a career and parent coach, where she supports Googlers to thrive in their careers. 

    Nerissa has a BA (Psychology), Post Grad Dip (Psychology), Graduate Cert (Journalism), and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has also achieved the Google Cloud Digital Leader Certification.

    Andrew is an experienced and passionate Corporate Banker who has worked for a number of International and Domestic banks over a 25 year period.

    Early in his career Andrew worked for International banks Lloyds Bank and RABO bank in their Sydney offices prior to moving to ANZ Bank where he enjoyed a 13 year career in their Corporate & Institutional bank division in Sydney and China specialising in Cashflow and Acquisition Lending to the mid- market and Non Bank Financial Institutions.

    Andrew and two other colleagues moved to HBOS where they established the Corporate banking team within the Bankwest division.

    Post GFC Andrew moved to CBA and after 13 years is currently the NSW Head of Client Acquisition which is the New to Bank team for customers with revenue greater than $30m and banking facilities ranging between $10m to $250m with customers including Listed and Private companies.

    Throughout his career the most enjoyable part is helping businesses grow and meet their aspirations.

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