Paul Blackburne has been recognised for his entrepreneurial management of one of Perth’s largest privately owned property developers, being named as the “First Amongst Equals” of WA Business News’ 40under40 Awards.

As Owner and Managing Director, Paul has led Blackburne since its inception in 2003 to become one of Australia’s fastest growing companies.

In its 14th year, the 40under40 Awards celebrate those under the age of 40 who have inspired and demonstrated entrepreneurship and commercial drive within their chosen field, balanced with philanthropic pursuits and commitment to the welfare of Western Australia.

Blackburne has grown to be one of the largest integrated property companies in Australia, specialising in property development, real estate and finance. The company’s developments arm specialises in mostly residential apartments, and its constant drive for design excellence has made Blackburne the leading apartment brand in Western Australia.

In the last four years alone, Blackburne has successfully developed more than 700 apartments and over 5,500 square metres of commercial space. They are currently completing their luxury western suburbs project – Aria Swanbourne which has 156 apartments.  In addition, another four projects are currently selling off the plan, with a further two projects launching later in 2016.

“While some other developers are cancelling or delaying projects, Blackburne remains strong through careful management, design excellence, and well located and well priced apartment offerings,” said Paul.

In addition to the highly successful Developments function, Blackburne has one of the largest property management portfolios in Perth, with over 1,200 properties under management. Its strata management department manages over 4,300 lots, and the company’s mortgage broking team settled over $150 million in loans in the last financial year with a current loan book in excess of $480 million.

“Blackburne’s fully integrated business model means our clients have all their needs met under one trusted brand, from sales, to property management, strata management and mortgage broking,” said Paul.

“This is what sets us apart and has cemented our leading position in the wider property industry in Western Australia,” he said.

In recent years, Paul has moved into a more strategic role in the company, with a CEO appointed to run the daily operations of Blackburne.

“I remain very active in the Blackburne business, working closely with the CEO and management team to achieve continued growth, however the shift to a more strategic focus has allowed me to pursue other activities both within and outside of the industry,” said Paul.

As well as regularly presenting at major industry events, Paul is on the Board of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and is a founder and the primary funder of the new Child Protection Unit (CPU) in Cambodia.

The 40under40 Awards win is not the first time Paul has been recognised for his personal success and commitment to the growth of Western Australia. He was a previous finalist in these awards in 2005, and a finalist in the 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Blackburne placed third in the 2014 BRW Fast 100 Awards and in the top 20 in 2015; awards which recognise Australia’s fastest growing companies.

In addition, Blackburne won Strata Management Business of the Year in 2015, and its Monarc development in Highgate, Perth, won the UDIA’s Medium Density Development award the same year.

Blackburne Mortgage Broking won the AFG Excellence Awards in 2012 and was a finalist in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Previous winners of this prestigious award includes: Dr Angus Turner, Mark Barnaba, David Flanagan, Grey Egerton-Warburton and Bill Beament.

For more information on the awards visit www.40under40.com.au