FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 September 2014
Customer Choice Awards
“Customers are the lifeblood of business, and having customers who are prepared to sing your praises is the ultimate
compliment,” says Electra Kapiti Horowhenua Business Awards Chairman, Mark Ternent. With almost 2,000 votes cast for
this year’s Customer Choice Awards, local businesses are clearly earning their customers’ loyalty.
The local Business Awards, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, added the Customer Choice category to their
successful programme in 2013. Inaugural winners were Over the Teacups Vintage Tea & Coffee House in the Retail section, and Levin Novus in the Service section.
Awards organiser Kirsten Kilmister said the popularity of the new category and public enthusiasm for the entrants
justified its inclusion. “Its popularity made it a simple decision for the Board to retain the category for the 2014
Awards,” she says.
Around 2,000 votes were received over the three week voting period this year, with comments focusing on friendly and
helpful staff, professional and prompt service, and quality products. Many customers said they would happily recommend
the business to friends and family.
Kirsten Kilmister says the volume of comments received this year was especially pleasing. “One of the key benefits of
entering the Customer Choice Awards is that you receive a report with all the feedback listed, anonymously of course.
It’s this feedback that can help a business to identify what they’re doing well, and where they can make improvements.”
Business Awards Chairman, Mark Ternent, says the winners are confirmed using a formula that considers all the data,
including votes cast and comments made.
This year’s Customer Choice winners will be announced at a Gala dinner in Levin on Friday, 10 October.
Tickets go on sale on Monday, 8 September and, with the event being sold out for the last two years, people are being
advised to book early by visiting www.bkh.org.nz.
ENDS
To see the list of Customer Choice Finalists go to https://sites.google.com/site/businesskapitihorowhenua/about-the-awards/winners-and-finalists