Last call for New Zealand’s entrepreneurs

Last call for New Zealand's entrepreneurs

Tuesday, 6 June 2006,

Press Release: Ernst and Young
6 June 2006

Last call for New Zealand's entrepreneurs

New Zealand's business heroes have less than three weeks left to enter the 2006 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition. As the June 23 closing date nears, Ernst & Young is encouraging successful entrepreneurs to enter the awards - the only globally recognised business award in New Zealand.

Roger Hatrick-Smith, Director of Entrepreneurial & Growth Market Services at Ernst & Young, says the award is designed to reward and celebrate those who demonstrate the very best in business entrepreneurial excellence.

"New Zealand is renowned for producing talented people with innovative ideas and it's good to recognise these people as they provide inspiration to others," Roger says.

"The benefits enjoyed by finalists and winners are extensive and impact on the individual and their greater business pursuits. The success enjoyed by past winners and finalists is evidence of this," he says.

Vintner George Fistonich says winning the 2005 title has provided real exposure for himself and Villa Maria and he strongly encourages other entrepreneurs to enter.

"Entrepreneurs shouldn't be shy in putting themselves forward and getting recognition for the contribution they have New Zealand's growth and development," he says.

The five categories for the 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year programme are:

- Retail, Consumer and Industrial Products

-Services including Financial, Business, Property and Arts

-Technology, Communications & Biotechnology

- Young Entrepreneur (entrepreneurs less than 30 years of age at the time of applications closing), and

- Master Entrepreneur (for leaders of well established businesses which have a significant commitment to entrepreneurship).

New Zealand's Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 will be announced at an Award Banquet on Wednesday, 11 October.

The winner of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year will represent New Zealand on the international stage at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year award, to be held in Monte Carlo in 2007.

Now in its ninth year in New Zealand and 20th year worldwide, the award programme was launched by Ernst & Young to celebrate the world's best entrepreneurs and share their stories to inspire others.

Potential entrants can contact Ernst & Young for more information, phone 0800 368 737, email entrepreneur@nz.ey.com or visit www.ey.com/nz. Applications close on Friday, 23 June 2006.

ENDS

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