News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 April 2008
Time Running Out To Enter Export Awards
Nominations close shortly for entry in to The Bank of New Zealand Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2008. For people still
considering submitting an entry, awareness of the benefits from being involved in these prestigious awards could help
them take the final plunge.
Export New Zealand president Mark Redpath, says nominations have been steady and when people think about the positive
national and international spin-offs from being short-listed or winning an award, he hopes even more nominations will be
received.
Mr Redpath spends a significant amount of time offshore and says companies demonstrating participation and success in
awards to overseas clients should not be underestimated.
Overseas clients value companies which participate in awards programmes. This shouldn't be underestimated says Mr
Redpath. He says The Bank of New Zealand Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2008 have legitimate value in our export markets,
particularly in Asia, where awards are highly valued and celebrated.
"In Malaysia it's common for a customer to take out a full page congratulatory advertisement in recognition of a company
reaching a certain standard whether it's an industry accreditation or an export award," says Mr Redpath.
Mr Redpath says award winners also receive wider recognition from their peers and relative industry sectors.
"Over the years, winners have advertised their win on their company's website and in brochures - this is important in
terms of both national and international recognition. Networking and other links also evolve from winning."
While some companies may think they cannot spare the time, the nomination process is not arduous, says Mr Redpath.
"We've tried to make the process as simple as possible. Companies will already have the type of information we need to
access. We don't make people jump through hoops but nominees do need to take the process seriously and a high standard
is required to be short listed for an award. Entering is easy but the judging is rigorous."
Export New Zealand Bay of Plenty Regional Manager Elizabeth Jenkins says a healthy number of nominations for the United
Travel at the Mount Emerging Exporter of the Year award have been received.
"We're getting really excited because local businesses operating for less than three years are coming through among them
are some intriguing and innovative companies and I can't wait to see who else comes forward," says Mrs Jenkins.
Categories are United Travel at the Mount Emerging Exporter of the Year Award; Bay of Plenty Services to Export Award;
Bay of Plenty World Class Capability Award; and Page Macrae Innovation in Export Award.
END