MBF Honours 2009 Ethnic Business Award Winner Ella Rouge
Release date: 3rd December 2009
Leading private health insurer, MBF, today paid tribute to Ella Rouge, a chain of beauty and health spa's and winner of the Award for Initiative for the 2009 Ethnic Business Awards.
MBF, part of Bupa Australia*, is a proud sponsor of the prestigious awards, which recognise and celebrate the significant contribution of migrants to the Australian economy in their respective fields.
Ella Rouge, secured the award for Initiative, which recognises their philosophy's in skin care techniques and technology. The company was established in 1997 by Lebanese born Manel and Ali Hammoud. This enterprising pair, who escaped the civil war in Lebanon, started the business while caring for two children under the age of two. Ella rouge now has 20 skin bars and stores with three new stores on the way.
Bupa Australia Chief Financial Officer, Hisham El-Ansary, said he was particularly proud to recognise and support each finalist given he and his family immigrated to Australia from Egypt 40 years ago.
"The Hammoud's should be extremely proud of what they‘ve achieved with Ella Rouge, particularly given the business has grown from one to 20 stores since their inception in 1997," El-Ansary said.
"Ella Rouge's rapid growth is testament to the Hammouds' hard work, commitment and determination. However, this also highlights the way in which they have engrained themselves into the country's local business scenes, and for that I congratulate them also.
"The Hammouds' journey is also impressive given they were able to develop a thriving business, in a new country, while caring for two young children."
The Ethnic Business Awards are celebrating their 21st year with a record of over fifteen hundred nominations covering all states and territories. MBF are proud to have been associated with the awards for past 4 years.
MBF, part of the BUPA Australia, specialises in health cover with a key consideration of the group's overall business strategy to ensure that private health insurance continues to be sustainable for the long term and affordable for our customers.
"Bupa is extremely proud to be affiliated with these illustrious awards and I would like to personally congratulate each of the 2009 Ethnic Business Award winners and nominees on the amazing contribution they've made to Australia as a whole," El-Ansary said.
For further information about MBF Services, call 132 623 or visit www.mbf.com.au
* Bupa Australia operates the trusted and respected brands MBF, HBA, Mutual Community and ClearView
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About MBF
MBF has been looking after Australians for more than 60 years. As a leading private health insurer, our primary aim is to help all Australians live longer, healthier and happier lives.
MBF proudly covers around 1.7 million Australians - giving them the confidence to better manage their healthcare needs. We have a broad range of quality health insurance products and an extensive national member centre network. Recently, we were independently assessed by CANNEX and named the national winner of the Outstanding Value Private Health Insurance Award.
In addition to private health insurance, MBF offers life and travel insurance, as well as financial planning, superannuation and managed investment products through ClearView Retirement Solutions.
About Bupa Australia
Bupa Australia is a leading healthcare provider. With a significant presence in every Australian state and territory, the company operates under the trusted and respected brands, HBA, MBF, Mutual Community and Clearview, proudly covering over three million Australians.
Bupa Australia is driven by the vision of "Taking care of the lives in our hands". The company is focused on providing sustainable health insurance and financial services solutions that represent real value to customers, and on leading the industry in the promotion of preventive health and wellness.
Bupa Australia's products and services include cover for hospital, medical, ancillary and ambulance services, as well as travel, life, car and home insurance, and retirement planning and lifestyle management services.
As part of the international Bupa Group, Bupa Australia draws on the strength and expertise of an international healthcare leader. The Bupa Group covers more than 10 million people in more 200 countries and provides other health and financial services to many more millions of customers around the globe.
