Small business operator Spiro Andrea, with his wife Basma and sons Charles and Tim, established Port Stephens Packaging in Shearwater Estate in 2004.

Today the business boasts a floor area three times as big at the original.

Addressing the Port Stephens councillors, Mr Andrea spelled out the importance of businesses working together to boost economic growth, encourage training and provide jobs for the Port's youth.

"I have operated successful businesses both here and overseas and I understand that for a business to survive in a small town or community, they need to support each other, in addition to being innovative. What's more it is crucial that our council shows leadership in this field," the former Sydney hair salon owner said.

"I started this business 15 years ago with a vision to grow and provide training opportunities to help stop young people from having to travel into Newcastle or Maitland for work."

The message was a timely reminder for councillors, who resolved at the July 9 meeting to review council's procurement practices and consider ways that the council can increase engagement with Port businesses in line with its economic advisory panel's key priorities.

Born in Cyprus, Spiro Andrea migrated to Australia via Great Britain at age 18, establishing one of Sydney's most successful hair salons.

"I learned the value of customer service and training, so that when I moved up to the Bay I took the chance to start something new and give young people an opportunity to be trained in administration, sales, delivery and warehouse work," he said.

Mr Andrea said forging strong relationships with other Port businesses was vital for growth.

He said the company's next mission was to reduce the use of plastics by replacing items such as plastic party knives and forks with more eco-friendly food-graded paper.

This move has the backing of the company's general manager Robert Peel, who sits on the committee of the newly formed, non-for-profit Plastic Free Port Stephens group.