Masterton man wins national business plan competition

Embargoed until 4pm, 26 July 2011

Masterton man wins national business plan competition

A Masterton man’s plan to sell his patented steel-mesh safety goggles worldwide has been awarded a $60,000 prize package from Business.govt.nz.

Phil Hall was today named the supreme winner of Business.govt.nz’s ANZ Flying Start Business Plan competition, after winning over judges with his patented brand of scratch and fog resistant safety goggles, Safe Eyes, and a first-rate plan to enter overseas markets.

His business plan beat over 500 entries to claim the top prize, which includes cash for growth opportunities, social media and web development, legal advice, training, and advertising.

Auckland’s Jeff Broad won the $10,000 ANZ exporter prize, with his greenhouse climate and irrigation management system judged to have the best export potential. A further 16 businesses were awarded regional prize packages.

Business.govt.nz manager Katie Wellington praised the quality of entries received during the competition, which promoted the benefits of having a business plan and the resources available on the first-stop government website for small businesses.

“The competition attracted a great deal of excellent business plans, which really demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of New Zealanders.

“If you have an idea you want to transform into a business, take the step. Visit www.business.govt.nz for tons of helpful tips on starting, managing and growing your business.

“The beauty of Mr Hall’s entry is that it shows how a business plan can help turn an idea into reality.”

Mr Hall says winning the ANZ Flying Start Business Planning competition is a fantastic boost. “The cash and business services will make a huge difference to us and help us grow to another level.

“Right now we’re looking to extend our worldwide distribution network and ramp up our marketing efforts, so winning the competition couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It’s a great thing for the Wairarapa too. A number of local companies are involved in helping us make our products and it’s fantastic to show that a little area like ours can take on the world and win.”

Mr Hall’s $60,000 prize package includes $30,000 cash provided by ANZ, social media and website design provided by hairyLemon, legal advice provided by Lane Neave, advertising and editorial provided by NZBusiness Magazine, and training provided by Stellaris.

ENDS

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