Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards

11 March 2008 – for immediate release

Blockbuster year promised for Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards
2008 programme launches on Tuesday 18 March

Companies looking to succeed on a local, national or international basis can be inspired by winners past and present of the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards.

The programme, the 2008 edition of which will be officially launched by Westpac and Mayor Len Brown this Tuesday 18 March, has identified numerous emerging businesses that have gone on to become business superstars.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says the past winners highlight that Manukau businesses are strong, no matter what size they are.

“Last year’s winner, Downer EDI Works, and previous winners Villa Maria and Rayglass Boats are all big companies with high profiles. They’ve all used the business excellence awards as a way of improving and growing.”

“Kiwi Discovery and Styrobeck Plastics, winners in 2004 and 2006, are not big but they have a tremendous local impact. They’re role models to other small and medium sized companies.”

“The success of our businesses plays a big role in making our city a great place. No matter how big or small, they all play a part in helping Manukau and its residents thrive,” he explains.

“Businesses contribute to the New Zealand economy on many levels,” says Ian Blair, General Manager of Westpac’s Business Banking. “Westpac has supported the Manukau Business Excellence Awards for many years and we are continually impressed by the level of excellence that both entrants and winners seek to achieve. The Awards are one way we can help them to get there.”

Contenders will be hoping to join past winners in going on to achieve national and international recognition. These companies include Downer EDI Works Limited, Rayglass Boats, Epic Packaging, Villa Maria Estate, tourism retailer Kiwi Discovery, and Styrobeck Plastics Limited.

The 2008 programme promises several new categories, including young entrepreneurs and environmental management in addition to ten others rewarding emerging companies, excellence in employment, exporting, manufacturing, innovation & strategy, service delivery, tourism, workplace safety and community contribution. The Westpac Manukau Business of the Year and the Westpac Manukau Small Business of the Year will be selected from the winners of these categories.

Sponsors of the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards include the Wiri Licensing Trust, Brookfields Lawyers, EMA, COGITA, Auckland International Airport Limited, Prince & Partners, ACC and the Manukau Community Foundation. This annual event is presented to the businesses of Manukau by Enterprising Manukau.

Business managers and owners interested in attending the launch or entering the awards should visit www.bizawards.co.nz or phone 09 262 2244.

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