Nine South and East Auckland businesses are celebrating after their wins at the Westpac Auckland South Business Awards 2011 in the weekend.
On Saturday night, local businesses were recognised for their success at a prestigious Gala Dinner at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre.
This event, run by the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), is an annual highlight for the South Auckland business community, with entertainment by Elizabeth Marvelly and the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.
Nine businesses were honoured across twelve categories, celebrating a variety of a range of businesses - from manufacturing to exporting and marketing to innovation.
The 2011 Westpac Auckland South Business of the Year Supreme Winner is East Tamaki Healthcare, also winners of the Cogita Excellence in Innovation and Strategy and RSM Prince Excellence in Service Delivery categories.
The New Zealand Herald Auckland South Small Business of the Year is Town and Country Veterinary Services while Charlie George of Republic Bar and Kitchen was named AUT Young Business Person of the Year.
Mayor Len Brown says the number of individual award winners and calibre of finalists in the awards this year are a tribute to the perseverance and innovation of South Auckland businesses.
“The quality of finalists in this year’s Westpac Auckland South Business Awards demonstrates the dynamic nature of business in the South, where local companies are developing smart products and services, savvy marketing and simply working more efficiently and effectively under challenging economic conditions,” says Mayor Brown. “It certainly makes me proud to be from the South.”
Ian Blair, Westpac’s General Manager Business Banking, says the awards highlight the diversity and success of south Auckland businesses.
“Westpac is proud to be a partner in these awards and in the development of business growth in the region. South Auckland has a thriving business community, from large manufacturers and exporters to small businesses and sole practitioners. The winning businesses are great examples of what can be achieved and we have witnessed some truly inspiring stories,” says Ian Blair.
Here are the winners of this year's Westpac Auckland South Business Awards:
Brookfields Lawyers Employer of Choice Award: Recovery Solutions Group
New Zealand Steel Excellence in Exporting Award: Howick Limited
Employers & Manufacturers Association Excellence in Manufacturing Award: GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Cogita Excellence in Innovation & Strategy Award: East Tamaki Healthcare
RSM Prince Excellence in Service Delivery Award: East Tamaki Healthcare
Wiri Licensing Trust Excellence in Emerging Business Award: Ormiston Hospital
Stevenson Commendation in Environmental Management Award: Astron Plastics Ltd
TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality Award: HMS Host Ltd
Manukau Institute of Technology Excellence in Marketing Award: The International Travel College of NZ
ACC Commendation in Workplace Safety Award: Agility Logistics
Auckland Communities Foundation Business Contribution to the Community Award: Cardinal Logistics
AUT University Young Business Person of the Year 2011: Charlie George, Republic Bar and Kitchen
The New Zealand Herald Small Business of the Year 2011– Judges Choice: Town and Country Veterinary Services
Westpac Auckland South Business of the Year Supreme Winner 2011: East Tamaki Healthcare