North Shore businesses reap Excellence Awards

North Shore businesses reap returns from Business Excellence Awards

This year’s Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards are again expected to attract a large field of local businesses eager to reap ongoing benefits from their participation.

The Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards, in their sixth year, are now widely recognised as a means for North Shore businesses to be publicly acknowledged for their achievements. Many past finalists and winners have found them an effective aid in increasing sales, boosting team building and enhancing credibility and awareness nationally and internationally.

Glyn Tyler-Davies, Managing Director of Smith & Davies, the winner of the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award 2002, says the win was a highlight of the company's 75th year in business and continues to boost staff morale.

"We're all so proud of our win because it says much about the attributes of the company and our credibility. We mention our win and use our winners’ logo in our brochures and promotional material. It's even on the side of our building."

Murray Thoms, Managing Director of Envision Presentations, the winner of the Ancare NZ Excellence in Innovation Award 2002, says the win has increased awareness of the company in the marketplace and assisted in bringing in new business both nationally and internationally.

"We're just a small team and it has given everyone here a real buzz. It's the ‘feel good’ factor that's had such a great impact on all of us."

The Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards, which last year attracted a record number of entries, celebrate outstanding performance and business excellence and contribute to the ongoing development of the North Shore economy and business community.

Enterprise North Shore Chief Executive Terry Hoskins says finalists and winners are always delighted - and sometimes amazed - with the positive spin-off they gain from participating.

"We encourage all North Shore companies to enter – small and large - because it gives them an unparalleled opportunity to benchmark their performance against specific criteria and other companies. Just the process of entering, which is a relatively simple exercise, often gives entrants invaluable insights into what they can do to improve their businesses."

Mr Hoskins says the awards are highly motivating for management and employees who rally together to review their progress and performance as they compile their entry.

Bruce McLachlan General Manager Business for Westpac says the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions that companies are making to the North Shore economy in terms of employment and investment.

"The awards are a great way of acknowledging the people behind these successful local businesses. It's very important to reward innovation and excellence and recognise what that
means for our local economy," Mr McLachlan says.

He urges North Shore businesses to get out there and seek the public recognition they deserve.

"Finalists and category winners receive significant public recognition, media exposure and positive feedback when they showcase their businesses in the awards. It's hugely gratifying for businesses to have their processes and practices validated and endorsed."

The 2003 Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards have grown from last year’s 10 categories to a total of 12 this year with continued support from leading businesses and organisations. Categories are:

A.C. Blackmore Excellence in Service Delivery Award Massey University Excellence in Technology Award 3M Excellence in Innovation Award Tertiary Education Commission Excellence in Workplace Training Award Telecom Local Directories Best Emerging Business Award Actionmail & Alliance Construction Excellence in Marketing Award North Shore Times Advertiser Community Contribution Award TMP/Hudson Global Resources Employer of Choice Award Smales Farm Excellence in Environmental Management Award ACC ThinkSafe Work Safety Award Tourism North Shore Excellence in Tourism Award Excellence in Export Award

All category winners become eligible for the ultimate business accolade - the 2003 Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award.

Invitation brochures will be sent to North Shore businesses in April. Entries close on June 19 and winners will be announced at a glittering Gala Dinner at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna on August 28.

Two pre-entry workshops to be held at North Harbour Stadium on May 7 and May 21 make it easy for companies to enter.

For more information or to register interest, contact Enterprise North Shore on 09 414-1341. Full information, including entry criteria and guidelines, is at http://www.enterprisens.org.nz. Businesses are encouraged to enter via the website.

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