The Tauranga Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the winners of the Westpac Tauranga Business Awards 2016. Head judge and financial assessor, Raimarie Pointon, said there were a large number of entrants representing a wide range of high calibre local businesses this year.  Some very strong contenders for Westpac Tauranga Business of the Year, resulting in 5 finalists of which there can only be one winner.  All five finalists needed to reach a 90% benchmark in excellence across their business so this is indeed an excellent sign for businesses in the Bay.

Retail Excellence – Small Business: Sponsored by Gartshore Retail Interiors

• Winner: Furnish
• Finalist: Waihi Beach Chemist

Retail Excellence – Large Business: Sponsored by Gartshore Retail Interiors

• Winner: YOU Travel
• Finalist: Z Retail Outlets
• Finalist: Modern Office & Office Furniture Warehouse

Manufacturing &/or Logistics Award: Sponsored by Cooney Lees Morgan

• Winner: Modern Office & Office Furniture Warehouse

Tourism & Hospitality Award: Sponsored by Tourism Bay of Plenty

• Winner: Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers
• Finalist: 850 Cameron Motel
• Finalist: The Phoenix
• Finalist: Waimareno
• Finalist: Little Big Events

Service Excellence Award: Sponsored by YOU Travel

• Winner: Nurtured at Home
• Finalist: The Relocatable House Company
• Finalist: Modern Office & Office Furniture Warehouse

Social Enterprise Award: Sponsored by Bay of Connections

• Winner: EmployNZ
• Finalist: Waipuna Hospice

Customer Service Award: Sponsored by Trustpower

• Winner: Fresh Choice Omokoroa
• Finalist: YOU Travel
• Finalist: EmployNZ
• Finalist: AJC Distribution
• Finalist: Waipuna Hospice

Workplace Safety Award: Sponsored by ACC

• Winner: Z Retail Outlets
• Finalist: Waipuna Hospice

Digital Innovation Award: Sponsored by Vodafone

• Winner: Waipuna Hospice

Business Innovation Award: Sponsored by Ballance Agri-Nutrients

• Winner: Modern Office & Office Furniture Warehouse
• Finalist: EmployNZ
• Finalist: Waimarino
• Finalist: Waipuna Hospice

Business Leadership Award: Sponsored by Powerco

• Winner: Tom Roper

Corporate Leadership Award: Sponsored by Waikato Management School

• Winner: Sanford

Westpac Tauranga Business of the Year:

• Winner: EmployNZ
• Finalist: Modern Office & Office Furniture Warehouse
• Finalist: Nurtured at Home
• Finalist: YOU Travel
• Finalist: Z Retail Outlets

This year’s Westpac Business of the Year is EmployNZ a winner amongst stars.  What stood out for the judges was the overall excellence this business showed in how it operated and managed their business and their outcomes.  With the highest judging score EmployNZ was a stand-out in all judging categories.  With their unique approach to business management and development which included an ‘Open door policy for good ideas’ such as holding a Dragon’s Den where all staff participated in providing ideas for the strategic plan.

They have strong leadership, empowerment and succession planning evident across the leadership team, meticulous knowledge and understanding of their business.  Focused planning within the areas of their control and detailed diversification options outside of these areas identified.  Their employer / Customer satisfaction results exceeding 95%, and have embraced the Te Whare Tapa Wha principals in viewing the overall well-being of their business engagements in a holistic way.Each year the judges speak of how positively they view the experience of visiting some of the dynamic and innovative organisations operating in our region, and of the pleasure and sense of privilege they take from engaging with people who are passionate about their businesses.

“As proud supporters of local, regional and national businesses, Westpac is delighted to help with a programme that inspires organisations to strive for and celebrate success,” says Lynn Walker, Westpac, Regional Manager Commercial, Central North Island.

“Congratulations to the 2016 Westpac Tauranga Business Awards winners – we’re sure this is a stepping stone to even greater business success.”

See Bay of Plenty Times feature article here.

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