Establish your business as a leader, not a follower

Companies with integrity are encouraged to enter this year’s Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards, as an opportunity to show their peers, colleagues, industry and Manukau that they deliver on promises.

“In many areas of business it can be difficult to prove you walk the walk – especially so when it comes to environmental practices,” says Kevin Obern, Managing Director of OfficeMax, who won the Excellence in Environmental Management Award in last year’s Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards.

“So many organisations claim to be eco-friendly, but it’s an area where it can be difficult to get objectivity around this,” adds Kevin.

This year OfficeMax achieved the Enviromark Diamond Award for the second year running. “While that’s been a good exercise and it puts a large tick in all of the right boxes, winning the Excellence in Environmental Management Award has added far more emotional value for our staff,” says Kevin. “Being recognised locally has given our people real pride in our business – especially when our customers and suppliers have commented and complimented us on winning the Award!”

Kevin Obern also believes that being recognised in this way has given OfficeMax real momentum with a range of environmental projects.

“Being a strong player in the office products industry means that we’ve got a reasonable amount of clout with our suppliers, so we’re able to influence and educate them to act in a more sustainable manner. And in turn, we’re also encouraging better, more sustainable, buying behaviour from our customers. This is creating a real momentum in our business, and all sorts of people are now coming to OfficeMax on environmental issues. For example, a school recently approached us with regard to a business project they were running, and we were able to give them ideas and advice on that, and the project is running smoothly and profitably.”

“Environmental issues aren’t just a token concern, they’ve become an integral part of the business. We’re able to be a leader in this area. And it’s our participation in the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards which has helped us to achieve that.”

Ian Blair, General Manager of Business Banking at Westpac, major sponsor of the Awards agrees that participating in these Awards gives Manukau businesses an opportunity to showcase their winning qualities.

“It’s a real opportunity also for businesses to take stock of what they’re doing and establish their company as a leader in its field,” says Ian Blair.

“For companies who are thinking about entering the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards, there’s still plenty of time,” says Enterprising Manukau CEO Gaelle Deighton. “Those companies who put in a good amount of time and effort will usually get a better result. Entering the Awards can be a very valuable experience, as the judges provide in-depth feedback to enable businesses to grow – and that could be very valuable for companies wishing to establish themselves as leaders, either now or in the future.”

Entering the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards is free and entry categories have been specially designed so that there are relevant choices for all manner of industries and business sizes. Categories include employer of choice, exporting, manufacturing, innovation and strategy, service delivery, emerging business, environmental management, tourism and hospitality, ACC workplace safety, and two nominated categories; business contribution to the community and young business person of the year.

This is your opportunity to stand out and be recognised as the best. Visit www.bizawards.co.nz or contact Enterprising Manukau on 09 262 2244 for more information.

Entries close on 1 July at 5pm, and finalists will be announced at the Finalists’ Function at Villa Maria Estate on 28 July.

Sponsors of the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards include the Wiri Licensing Trust, New Zealand Herald, Brookfields Lawyers, EMA, NALCO, COGITA, RSM Prince, Manukau Water, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, ACC and the Manukau Community Foundation. Manukau City Council and Westpac are the major sponsors of these awards, which are delivered on behalf of the council by Enterprising Manukau. These Awards were instigated 16 years ago to recognise, encourage and assist business growth and development.