Friday, August 29, 2025

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Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Fennell’s Floorworld Named Rising Star At National Awards

Fennell’s Floorworld has been recognised on the national stage, taking out the prestigious Rising Star Award at the National Flooring World Conference Awards Night held in Brisbane last Thursday.

Scott Fennell owner of Fennell’s Floorworld has been in the flooring industry for 40 years.

The award, which cannot be entered but is instead selected from among Floorworld head office following a strict criteria, came as a huge surprise to the Cannonvale and Bowen based business.

“We were jumping out of our skin when our name was called,” said Accounts Manager Natasha Saroglia. “It’s such an honour because it’s not something you apply for – you’re chosen, which makes it even more special.”

It was the first time Fennell’s Floorworld had been nominated at the national level, with the business also shortlisted for Queensland Store of the Year.

The Rising Star recognition comes off the back of significant growth for the business in recent years. Originally operating out of Cannonvale, Fennell’s has expanded its footprint with a store in Bowen, established to better service customers in the growing Whitsunday region.

The growth Fennell experienced not only saw them expand to new a location but also grow in terms of productivity.

“We were travelling to Bowen so often with our staff that it just made sense to open a permanent store there,” Natasha explained.

“It allows us to provide a more convenient service for local customers.”

The expansion has been matched by diversification in products and services. While the company has long been known for its flooring expertise, offering engineered timber, hybrid, laminate, carpet and vinyl planks it has recently added window furnishings to its range.

“In the last couple of months, we’ve introduced blinds and curtains, which has been really exciting,” Natasha said.

This provides customers with the option to finish their interiors with more than just flooring.

Fennell’s offers both supply-only and supply-and-install options, working with a team of full-time and subcontracted installers to ensure flexibility for customers.

“Some people want to do it themselves, while others prefer the full service, so we cater to both,” said Natasha.

Looking ahead, the team is focusing on building on its reputation for quality service and strong customer relationships rather than chasing rapid expansion.

“We’ve grown a lot over the past four years, but now it’s about perfecting what we do,” Natasha said.

“Our customers are at the centre of everything, and this award shows that the hard work is paying off.”

The Rising Star Award has cemented Fennell’s Floor world as a business on the rise, recognised not only in the Whitsundays but now across Australia.

The winning team at Fennell's Floorworld. Photo supplied

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