The Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has, for the first time in its history pitted state against state at this year’s Electrical Industry Excellence Awards competition.

The Awards will see some of the best projects and people in the industry battle it out for the honour to move on to a National Awards round.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said the awards at both state and national levels provide a platform for electrical contractors, business partners, and apprentices to be recognised by their peers.

According to Mr Richards, Australian businesses have faced a pretty tough year but experts have predicted a more positive economic climate in 2014; the awards offer a great opportunity to celebrate all the hard work businesses and individuals have put in to weather the storm and come out on top.

State winners are automatically entered as a finalist in the National Excellence Awards with national winners announced at the 2014 Electrical Industry Conference.

Award categories include individual, business and projects awards with one contractor set to claim the highly coveted title of Accredited Master Electrician of the Year.

Mr Richards said the Awards were a chance to not only take home an impressive trophy but also win more business. MEA has created a specially designed winner’s badge that can be displayed across marketing material such as websites, email signatures and stationery.