Hunt on for best business supporters

Hunt on for best business supporters and green businesses

The search is on for those who are the best at helping business and in 2009 a special award will be made for the country’s top supporter of a sustainable organisation.

The Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards are presented annually to the country’s top individuals and organisations that support business growth. They recognise contributions made from both the private sector and public sector and celebrate excellence in services and products which help New Zealand businesses prosper.

“The awards celebrate the very best on offer to small business in New Zealand, so often described as the backbone of our economy,” says awards organiser Sarah Trotman from Sarah Trotman & Associates. “Our organisation has become carboNZero rated and to further encourage sustainability in SMES we have instigated an award for the individual or organisation that most supports sustainable development in business.

“These awards set a new standard for recognising the contribution of those who provide products or services that support business growth. With over one third, 38% ($25,959m) of the economy's output generated by SMEs it is critical that we encourage the evolution of business support products and services which add significant value to business owners. There is a significant commercial advantage in better understanding what business owners want and need. For those who excel in this area the awards are a way of differentiating themselves and creating a culture of excellence.”

Roger Bell from Vero, sponsor of the awards, says business support has helped many companies become more competitive and sustainable. "We believe the future competitiveness of New Zealand business lies in quality and providing a key 'point of difference’," he says. "We are looking for exceptional organisations and people for the 2009 awards.”

The entrant categories, he says, are designed to recognise a vast range of valuable contributions to business owners who so often operate with vast technical knowledge but fewer generic business management skills.

Expressions of Interest for the awards close on 15 December 2008 and the winners will be announced at a Black Tie Gala Dinner held at the Small Business Expo at the Auckland Showgrounds on 28 May 2009.

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