2008 entrant field described as highly competitive

Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards
Media Release
10 July 2008
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2008 entrant field described as highly competitive

Entries have closed in the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards, drawing the curtain on weeks and months of effort for many businesses focused on succeeding in one of the country’s most prestigious awards of its type.

Former winners – which include Rayglass Boats, Villa Maria, Downer EDI Works and Styrobeck Plastics - describe the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards as essential for companies that aspire to achieve long-term success.

“You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose,” says Matt Hall, whose business, Liquid Health, took out the Best Emerging Business Award category in 2008, and has re-entered again this year seeking success in other categories.

Organisers say that those companies which became finalists or winners last year and are re-entering will face strong competition.

The 2008 programme includes new categories for young entrepreneurs and environmental management in addition to ten other awards for 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 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, Hubbard Foods Ltd, 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. Manukau City Council began the awards 16 years ago to recognise, encourage and assist business growth and development.

Finalists will be announced on Thursday 31 July 2008 during an evening function at Villa Maria Estate Winery, and winners on Friday 5 September.

www.bizawards.co.nz

ENDS

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