Testament to their ongoing work in the local community and their dedication to networking and collaboration, Barefruit Marketing was awarded ‘Employer of Choice’ (for a business with less than 21 employees), for the second year running, at the recent Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards, which recognises and rewards excellence in business. 

Claire Harding, co-founder of Barefruit Marketing also received the ‘Outstanding Business Leader’ award, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to her workplace, the industry and the community. With over thirty years of marketing experience, as well as her outstanding dedication to her staff and the continual expansion of Barefruit, it was little wonder she scooped the coveted award and recognition.

Aside from their commitment to providing a supportive and forward-thinking work environment that focuses on honesty and transparency, Barefruit have always believed in the importance of working with the local Northern Rivers community and go to great lengths to forge new relationships, network and connect businesses with each other.  Understanding the power of collaboration and cooperation, both Claire and fellow co-founder Evan Harding, actively promote other businesses on their platforms, attend regular networking events and are continuously work on developing new business. 

With the mantra of taking nothing for granted, be it personal or professional, and with ‘fun’ as their core value at the workplace, it’s little wonder Barefruit also took out the ‘Employer of Choice’ award, for the second time in a row.  With a creative work environment, weekly team meetings and regular professional development, (and wine of course), Claire and Evan go out of their way to ensure that coming into work is something to look forward to, rather than dread.

Akin to their unicorn abilities, Barefruit stand out from the crowd by offering pro bono services to a number of local not-for-profits and charity organisations, such as Biala Support Services and Rafiki Mwema, a charity that raises awareness for traumatised children that live in Kenya, and sponsor community events, such as the Love Lennox Festival and the XXX soccer team/sports ground.

Given their success at the Ballina Shire Business Awards, Barefruit  are also now finalists for these categories at the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards, to be held on September 16.