Sharp Tudhope Urges Locals to 'Get Behind the Bay' in Sustainable Business Awards
Thursday 18 October 2012, 3:48PM
By Village NZ
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Sharp Tudhope Lawyers might be the oldest law firm in Tauranga, but the company is making waves for its innovative sustainability practices and has been selected as one of five national finalists in the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), Vodafone People’s Choice Award.
Sharp Tudhope, which has just won the regional Trailblazer Award for Medium Business, was chosen as a finalist in the People’s Choice category by a panel of Vodafone representatives who selected the firm from nationwide SBN Category Winners’ video submissions showcasing their sustainability initiatives.
The People’s Choice award recognises businesses setting new standards in sustainability and ‘green’ innovation and is now open for public voting. Sharp Tudhope General Manager, Peter Wilson, is urging Bay of Plenty locals to get behind the region.
“We are proud to be competing against some of the finest examples of business sustainability in the country. At Sharp Tudhope, sustainability is integrated into all parts of our business, from our Greenstar standard building, client relationships and pro bono work, to our community engagement, and the practical implementation across the more obvious initiatives like waste management.
“We firmly believe that sustainable businesses are better businesses and we are seeing the rewards of our commitment every day. There are exciting things ahead for Sharp Tudhope and we believe that our sustainable focus has been a key element of our continued growth and prosperity,” says Wilson.
Priority One Chief Executive, Andrew Coker, stands with the firm in encouraging Bay of Plenty locals to show their support.
“The Bay of Plenty is a region synonymous with progress and the fact that one of our own businesses is competing on a national stage for recognition for its outstanding sustainability efforts is something everyone should be proud of, and get behind,” he says.
“We will definitely be seeding this news throughout our networks and encouraging everyone else to spread the word and get voting – it would be great to see this award coming to the Bay of Plenty,” adds Coker.
Previous winners of the People’s Choice Award have included Westpac and Power Smart Solar. This year’s finalists are: Sharp Tudhope Lawyers, Stone Arrow Jewellery, Kaimira Estate Wines, Raw Essentials and Kokako.
Sustainable Business Network Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Manager, Jenny Milson, is excited to have another Bay of Plenty business in the top five and says that the organisation was thoroughly impressed with Sharp Tudhope’s industry-leading practices and obvious commitment to sustainability.
“There is a fantastic contrast with Sharp Tudhope which, at 117 years of age, is the oldest surviving company in Tauranga but leading the way with its forward-thinking sustainability practices. It goes to show that any industry can implement these kinds of practices and reap the rewards,” she says.
The winner of the Vodafone People's Choice Award will be announced along with the winners of other national awards at the NZI National SBN Awards night at The Cloud, Queen's Wharf on November 22.
Visit www.sustainableawards.org.nz to vote.