Dynamic businesses reflect vibrant local economy

Finalists in this year’s Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards are dynamic businesses that make up an integral part of North Shore City’s vibrant business economy.

The entries in the Awards 12 categories have undergone a rigorous judging process by an eight-member judging panel that has analysed and assessed their achievements.

Milford lawyer and Awards Convener of Judges, Patricia Schnauer, says the 103 entries – a record number since the Awards were established in 1998 - were of a high standard.

“These businesses are a reflection of people who have passion and enthusiasm for their work. Many started out in basements and spare rooms, and have grown into exceptional examples of what great business is all about.

“Enterprise North Shore does brilliant work in encouraging and supporting businesses in these Awards. Those who have reached finalist status mirror the diversity of the North Shore’s economy. Their entries and achievements demonstrate the huge self-belief of their owners and the commitment and dedication of their people,” Patricia Schnauer says.

The finalists cover a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, technology, engineering, education, publishing, tourism, service and health. Several businesses are finalists in more than one category with 30 businesses sharing the top 37 places for the 12 Awards.

Enterprise North Shore's Chief Executive, Terry Hoskins, believes the calibre of finalists and the vitality of their businesses bring credit to their owners and employees - and to North Shore City.

“The positive attitude of finalists – and, in fact, of all entrants - flies in the face of recent predictions from some business commentators that business confidence in New Zealand is declining. More businesses than ever stepped forward to take advantage of the opportunity the Awards provide to learn more about their business and lift their public profile,” Terry Hoskins says.

Bruce McLachlan, General Manager Business Banking for Westpac, says: "The Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards is our opportunity to recognise our top performers and innovators from this diverse business community and reward their hard work, determination and contribution to our local community and economy. Our finalists can now use this foundation to take the next step towards being world class businesses."

The Awards 12 category winners and the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award winner will be announced at a Gala Dinner on Thursday, August 25th 2005 at the Awards Lounge, North Harbour Stadium, Oteha Valley Road, Albany.

Finalists in the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards 2005 are:

3M Excellence in Innovation Award
LinkPlas Ltd
CHS Parking Systems
Home Business New Zealand Ltd
Health & Human Performance Ltd

Alliance Construction Best New Start-up Business Award
Allied Fastenings Ltd
Nose to Tail
Health and Human Performance Ltd
Quest Recruitment Ltd

North Shore Times Community Contribution Award
E Factor Training
Age Concern North Shore
Edge Employment

Actionmail Excellence in Marketing Award
Extra Mile Training
Nappies Direct
Phonak New Zealand Ltd

Massey University Excellence in Technology Award
LinkPlas Ltd
Conto Ltd
Toppix Ltd

ACC ThinkSafe Workplace Safety Award
Techscape Ltd
de Bruin-Judge Furniture Ltd
Contract Landscapes Ltd
Siemens Energy Services

Vector Best Emerging Business Award
My Goodness Gift Baskets
Intergen
YellowTuna Networks Ltd

North Shore City Council Excellence in Tourism Award
McLaren Brown Publishing Ltd
The Spencer on Byron Hotel

Chelsea Sugar Excellence in Exporting Award
Berill Control Systems Ltd
CHS Parking Systems

Clearlite Excellence in Service Delivery Award
Trade-Tech New Zealand Ltd
Learning Post Ltd
Web Drive Ltd

Smales Farm Excellence in Environmental Management Award
de Bruin-Judge Furniture Ltd
Kristin School
LinkPlas Ltd

Orcon Internet Employer of Choice Award
Phonak New Zealand Ltd
The AgriChain Centre
Berill Control Systems Ltd