Winner: Awards a great chance to check out the competition

Winner: Awards a great chance to check out the competition

Entering last year’s Westpac Northland Business Awards gave Mike Verkuylen, of Wynn Fraser Paints, a valuable opportunity to gauge how well his business was going.

He says: “We’re a locally owned and operated business so we have usually nothing benchmark against.”

Wynn Fraser Paints entered the awards in 2001, 2006 and 2011, winning its category each time and the Westpac Supreme category last year.

Verkuylen said it was a good way for relatively small Northland businesses to grab a rare chance to see how they stacked up against the competition.

“It’s a good benchmark to figure out how you’re going both against yourself and other businesses.”

The process of entering meant going back through the operational side of the business, examining processes and discovering where efficiencies could be created. Customers, staff and owners benefitted.

“It helps you keep on top of things,” Verkuylen said.

Entries are now open for this year’s Business Awards and close on August 17. The awards are free to enter.

Northland Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Collins said it was a great way to add energy and motivation to a business, as well as highlight to potential clients what sets your business apart from the competition.

The Westpac Supreme Winner will pick up a $16,000 prize package – category winners each take home $8000 worth of prizes.

Verkuylen said he would recommend any other Northland business enter the awards. “It’s a fun night and gets you looking at how you actually go about all aspects of the business.”

Workshops are being held throughout this month for businesses interested in entering.

For more information, see www.northlandbusinessawards.co.nz

ENDS

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