Awards open doors for Manukau businesses

With entries open for this year’s Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards, we take a look at how some of last year’s winners are faring. Is the entry process worth all the effort?

Diane Van Nes, Administrator at Argenta, is convinced that entering the Awards is more than worthwhile. Her employer, Argenta, won the Excellence in Exporting Award last year, and the company is still riding on the wave of success this has brought them.

“Our business is going through a huge amount of growth which has been complemented by the recognition of Awards,” says Diane.

“While we’re actually quite a small company on the world stage, we have experienced increased publicity which has been contributed by winning these Awards. Achievements like this build confidence in our customers, and has also been a real boost for both the staff and management at Argenta.”

Ron Holden, Managing Director of NALCO has a similar story to tell after winning the Business of the Year Supreme Award last year. “We have had increasing interest in customers wanting to talk with us since we won this Award. We’ve enjoyed some very good outcomes as a result of that, and it’s also raised everyone’s confidence levels internally.”

Indeed, NALCO has been so impressed at the benefits of being associated with the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards, that this year the company is sponsoring the Excellence in Exporting Award.

“These Awards provide Manukau businesses the opportunity to show they are leaders, both locally and globally, by striving for world-quality standards in their industries,” says Manukau Mayor Len Brown, whose council is a major sponsor of the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards.

“There are so many inspirational stories about Manukau businesses, and we need to hear these stories. It’s an important part of continuing to propel Manukau forward.

“I’m very proud of the economic powerhouse that Manukau has become, and it’s vital that we continue on that journey of growth. Manukau business leaders should enter the awards and share their story; so we can continue our region’s reputation for business excellence.”

Entering the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards is free and entry categories have been specially designed so that there are relevant choices for all manner of industries and business sizes. Categories include employer of choice, exporting, manufacturing, innovation and strategy, service delivery, emerging business, environmental management, tourism and hospitality, ACC workplace safety, and two nominated categories; business contribution to the community and young business person of the year.

This is your opportunity to stand out and be recognised as the best. Visit www.bizawards.co.nz or contact Enterprising Manukau on 09 262 2244 for more information.

Entries close on 1 July at 5pm, and finalists will be announced at the Finalists’ Function at Villa Maria Estate on 28 July.

Sponsors of the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards include the Wiri Licensing Trust, New Zealand Herald, Brookfields Lawyers, EMA, NALCO, COGITA, RSM Prince, Manukau Water, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, ACC and the Manukau Community Foundation. Manukau City Council and Westpac are the major sponsors of these awards, which are delivered on behalf of the council by Enterprising Manukau. These Awards were instigated 16 years ago to recognise, encourage and assist business growth and development.