"Customer service and a sense of family are at the heart of everything we do."
That is the official word from Melbourne fashion and accessories label Elk, which has taken out a category in the Telstra Business Awards.
Elk has been recognised in the medium-sized business category, for firms with between 20 to 200 employees.
Elk co-founder and creative director Marnie Goding said she was honoured by the award.
“We are incredibly proud to run a business that is built on hard work, trust and old fashioned relationships.
"We have built a business that creates opportunities not only for those that work with us but for our charitable partners, suppliers and families.
"People are at the core.”
The family-owned independent fashion business was established in 2004 by husband and wife Marnie Goding and Adam Koniaras.
It has grown to a large wholesale and retail operation that employs 70 staff, most of which are based in the brand's head office and distribution centre situated in Preston, Melbourne.
Elk currently sells into more than 1200 retail accounts globally.
The brand opened its first flagship boutique in Little Collins St, Melbourne in 2016.