Manawatu encourages tall poppies

Friday 15 July 2011

Manawatu encourages tall poppies

Manawatu launched into the 2011 Westpac Manawatu Business Awards Thursday July 14, as the region's best and brightest business minds gathered at Westpac on Broadway.

Hosted by 2010 Supreme Award Winners, WMC Technology, in conjunction with Westpac, the evening of eats, entertainment and information provided an opportunity for businesses to learn more about the benefits of entering from organisers, judges and past winners.

Organisers were delighted with the response as they handed out application packs, and hope to see enthusiasm translate into nominations, which are now open online at www.manawatubusinessawards.com.

Elaine Reilly, chief executive of Vision Manawatu, acknowledged that nominating your own business flies in the face of traditional Kiwi modesty, but encouraged business owners to jump at the opportunity to "be a tall poppy".

Stu Bradbury, general manager of WMC Technology, reiterated this idea and the value of entering the awards saying, the company's success has enhanced its business within the Manawatu and nationwide thanks to post-awards publicity.

"Writing it down on paper gave our team a common goal aside from day-to-day work and allowed us to identify areas for improvement", he said.

If there was one message to be taken from the launch event it was to be ambitious.

“Entering the awards will take time and it is scary to open your business up to be judged, but it's well worth it to become an award-winning business”, Mrs Reilly said.

Could your business be a frontrunner in 2011? Nominations are now open and there's never been a better time to find out.

Nominate your business or another outstanding Manawatu business for a 2011 Westpac Manawatu Business Award at www.manawatubusinessawards.com. It's the first step in a challenging and rewarding journey, but it's a journey that's well worth the effort.

ENDS

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