Flinders’ business graduate Nicho Teng has been selected as a finalist in the 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, one of just five applicants chosen from South Australia and the Northern Territory to go through to the national finals in October.

Mr Teng embarked on his LED lighting business by door-knocking businesses and providing his products initially at no charge, requiring payment only after customers had realised savings from the economic lighting solution.

This customer-focused approach kicked off his Netley-based business, Haneco, in October 2011. It has since expanded to employ more than 80 people and distribute more than two million fittings per year Australia-wide.

In addition to his lighting operation, Mr Teng has established a property development business, Greaton, which has grown to be a high-density residential developer with more than $3 billion worth of projects – including the largest transacted hotel in Australia, and the largest urban re-generation residential project in Adelaide.

In assessing his application, the judges noted that at just 31 years of age Mr Teng was already an accomplished entrepreneur who had created two dynamic and complementary businesses which prioritise innovation and customer service excellence.

Mr Teng credits his success with a solid education in business tax, commerce and accounting received at Flinders, together with help from mentors and friends.

The Central Region (South Australia and Northern Territory) finalists were announced at a ceremony in Adelaide on 31 August, with national finalists to be awarded in Sydney on 31 October, and the overall Australian winner will then travel to Monte Carlo in June 2019 to compete for EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Widely considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious business awards, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program commenced in 2001 and has participants in more than 60 countries.