Relevant and dynamic resource available to Pacific Business

PRESS RELEASE

25 October 2012

For immediate release

Awards bring focus to free, relevant and dynamic resource available to Pacific Businesses

The eagerly awaited Pacific Business Awards return in March 2013, celebrating 20 years since the event first began. It also brings focus on the Pacific Business Trust that has assisted Pacific people into business for more than a quarter of a century.

Over the last six years, the Trust has assisted Pacific people to establish 335 new businesses. The services PBT provide are relevant, dynamic and inspired, and all are delivered free, including training, business development and facilitation services.

All services are coordinated by the qualified PBT Business Facilitator Team, located in three locations nationwide in Otahuhu, Porirua and Christchurch. Practical and tailored assistance is provided to those businesses that need it, including help with business plans and financial planning. It’s all part of what’s on offer.

“PBT is a great starting point. At little or no cost, we can get good advice and then we can decide for ourselves what is best for us” says Ferron Fruean, Director of Outdoor Enhancements.

The Pacific Business Awards recognise excellence in Pacific Business and Business people. PBT Chief Executive Peter Cordtz says, “nominees that are already working with us have a better understanding of what’s required when applying, as their facilitator can help them work through the nomination process and get the best result for their business. However it’s important that people understand that you can get the same level of support, even if you’ve never worked with us before.”

Agnes Loheni of Mena International Ltd, winners of the Pasifika Thriving Category – Pacific Exporter 2010 says “In today’s economic landscape, Pacific businesses benefit hugely from the positive profile of winning an award through the Pacific Business Awards. Earning a reputation for outstanding performance is invaluable to strengthening a businesses’ brand. Winning the Pacific Exporter Award in 2010 went a long way in cementing our status amongst Pacific businesses. Having been in business for 10 years we were very humbled to be recognised and commended in this way. More importantly we hope that a business like ours will help to change the mindset about Pacific people in business and inspire others in their business journey.”

The Pacific Business Awards have been held since 1993. Previous winners of note include Mike Pero Mortgages, Panorama Painters & Decorators Ltd, Adrian Orr (former Westpac Trust Chief Economist), The Laughing Samoans and Vinod Kumar of Magsons Hardware, which own the Mega Mitre 10 stores in Henderson and Botany.

Pacific Business Awards 2013 expressions of interest are now open. Once an expression of interest is received, a PBT Business Facilitator will make contact and work with businesses to complete their nomination, providing practical business advice and assistance at the same time. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in March 2013.

Expressions of interest can be completed online at www.pacificbusiness.co.nz/ourwork/businessawards/2013pba/. Nominations close 15 February 2013.

ENDS

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