Hunt for NZ's leading entrepreneurs underway

May 21, 2007

Hunt for New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs underway

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are now open New Zealand’s only global business award 2007 will mark the 10th anniversary of the awards in New Zealand

Are you successful, passionate about what you do and have an inspirational Kiwi business story to tell? If so, Ernst & Young wants to hear from you.

Entries are now officially open for New Zealand’s only global business award, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The awards showcase New Zealand’s business leaders, people who have taken risks by putting everything on the line and achieved at the highest level in their chosen fields.

“Over the past decade we have recognised some truly remarkable individuals – business heroes who have shown true Kiwi ingenuity both nationally and internationally,” said Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards director Roger Hatrick-Smith.

“The awards are important for celebrating these successful entrepreneurs in New Zealand as they represent a vibrant and healthy economy, with their success playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s future,” he added.

Richard Taylor, who won the 2006 title, exemplifies this with his international business success story Weta Workshop & Digital.

Richard will compete at the World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Monte Carlo on June 2, where he will be among the world’s business elite.

“The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year has been an incredibly positive opportunity that has recognised the accomplishments of the small team of passionate people that have helped me make Weta Workshop & Digital all that it has become over the last 20 years,” he said.

Chairman of the independent judging panel, David Johnson, who is chief executive of Trends Publishing, said this year’s judges will look for entrants who have achieved success in their chosen business field with innovation, integrity and backed by sound financial performance.

“We’re looking for people with long-term vision, people who have taken risks and overcome obstacles, and created successful businesses resulting in national or global impact,” he said.

Mr Johnson said based on his years of experience with the programme, entering the awards is a beneficial experience for all, whether or not entrants ultimately win.

“Entering the awards is a fantastic opportunity for Kiwi entrepreneurs to share knowledge and receive feedback on their business from other successful New Zealand business people,” he said.

Past entrants are eligible to enter again, and are encouraged to do so. Importantly, entrants do not have to be a founder of the business or the majority shareholder. Entrants can include those who organise, manage and assume the risks of a business during either its startup phase or when it is more established.

The five categories for the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year programme are:

-Retail, Consumer and Industrial Products

-Services including Financial Business, Property and Arts

-Technology, Communications & Biotechnology

- Young Entrepreneur (entrepreneurs aged less than 35 years of age at the time of close of applications on 20 July)

-Master Entrepreneur (for leaders of well established businesses which have a significant commitment to entrepreneurship).

New Zealand’s 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced at an award banquet on 14 November, 2007.

Potential entrants can register their interest at www.ey.com/nz. Alternatively, they can contact Ernst & Young for more information on 0800 368 737, or by email on entrepreneur@nz.ey.com. Applications close on July 20, 2007.

ENDS

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