Media Release

13 May 2011

The search is on for the number one business in the west

Only four weeks remain to enter your business in the Westpac Auckland West Business Awards 2011, with entries closing on 10 June.

The awards are facilitated by the west Auckland office of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and have been the premier business awards in the area for the past 15 years.

This year a total prize pool of $65,000 is up for grabs across 12 categories, with each winner being awarded a $2,000 study grant at Unitec and a range of business services from the award's sponsors.

Three new categories have been launched this year - the Excellence in Service Delivery Award, sponsored by the Trusts; the Excellence in Not for Profit Award, sponsored by Unitec; and the Excellence in Manufacturing Award sponsored by last year's Supreme Business Award winner, Tasti Products.

A team of business mentors from Unitec and staff from the west office of ATEED are available to assist with your entry and to offer free advice on business planning.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says the awards recognise and celebrate success, encouraging local businesses to prosper while ultimately driving economic growth for the region.

"The business awards celebrate the achievements of our most successful economic partners, regardless of size or trade, and recognise their contribution to west Auckland."

"I urge local businesses to take this opportunity to highlight their success and that of their business community as a whole through this initiative. This is a great chance to celebrate local people and a local focus," says Mayor Len Brown.

The awards culminate in a gala dinner, to be held on 26 August.

ATEED West's Manager - Business Development, Sukesh Sukumaran says the Westpac Auckland West Business Awards are a unique opportunity for local businesses to be recognised for their achievements, role as an employer and contribution to the wider west Auckland community.

"This year the awards are bigger and better than ever and at a time that has seen many businesses face recessionary challenges. In true "let's get on with it" fashion, these businesses are future focused and we look forward to celebrating their successes at our gala dinner," says Mr Sukumaran.

This year's awards recognise all sizes of businesses from those with a few or even no staff, through to major organisations.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for Auckland west businesses, both big and small, to recognise their own hard work and achievements," says Ian Blair, Westpac General Manager Business Banking.

"As proud supporters of national, regional and local business, Westpac is thrilled to once again be associated with these prestigious awards."

Eight businesses were honoured as winners in 2010, including Supreme Business Award -Tasti Products, Best Mid-sized Business - Hi-Tech Packaging and Best Small Business - Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs.

Visit www.waitakereenterprise.co.nz for more information on the awards and entry criteria.

ends

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