Pay back for those who back business

Pay back for those who back business

Organisations that make life better for businesses could be in for an award that will help their business grow.

The Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards 2008 recognise excellence in the field of business support and are held during the Small Business Expo in Auckland on 17 April. Nearly 200 entries have already been received.

Last year’s Supreme Winner, Kea, used its win to increase its popularity with New Zealanders overseas. Kea aims to make New Zealand the most globally connected nation on earth. Through its web-based organisation Kea brings together expats and 'friends of New Zealand' to create a powerful global network for the benefit of New Zealand.

Kea’s Global Talent Centre linking talented people with premium job opportunities and its Venture Mentor Network were key factors in Kea taking out the Supreme Award.

CEO of Kea New Zealand Ivan Moss says success in winning the Supreme Vero Excellence in Business Support Award helped increase Kea’s profile and New Zealanders’ understanding of the importance of connecting with our diaspora for the benefit of New Zealand’s long term economic prosperity.

“It was a huge honour for Kea to receive both the supreme and the high growth sector category awards in the 2007 Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards,” he says. “It is vitally important that we continue to raise Kea’s profile within New Zealand, enabling us to provide tangible opportunities for our international network to connect with and contribute to New Zealand, New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses.”

He encourages businesses to enter the awards, not just as a support for business but as a way of building their profile.

Established in 2005, the awards are held annually. Founded by small business sector specialist, Sarah Trotman, and sponsored by Vero, the awards are a key event during the annual Small Business Expo – New Zealand’s largest event for business. People have until 10 December to enter an organisation or person for the Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards.

“The awards acknowledge organisations and individuals who make real contributions to business by providing quality products and services that make life better for business owners,” Sarah Trotman says.

With 11 award categories, virtually any organisation is eligible to enter. “Nominations come from a wide variety of organisations,” Sarah Trotman says. “Your business may be large or small, private, government sector or not-for-profit; there is an award for every category. It’s a great opportunity to reward someone or some organisation that has made a real difference to your business.”

"We believe the future competitiveness of New Zealand business lies in quality and providing a key 'point of difference," Roger Bell, CEO Vero, the awards' principal sponsor says. "We are looking for exceptional organisations and people for these awards and I am confident the 2008 nominations will be as outstanding as in other years."

ENDS

www.excellenceinbusinesssupport.co.nz

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