Entries open for International Business Awards

Entries open for 2010 New Zealand International Business Awards

Ambitious New Zealand businesses determined to succeed globally can now enter the 2010 New Zealand International Business Awards.

Developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in partnership with the private sector, the awards recognise new approaches that businesses are taking to achieve international success.

Entries open today and close on Friday, April 16. Entry forms are available online at www.nzte.govt.nz/awards.

NZTE Board Chairman Jon Mayson said the awards recognised professional excellence and innovative practice, but importantly were not just about winning.

“While winning an award carries plenty of prestige, all entrants get value from participating. Those companies that go through the entry and judging process get a valuable chance to benchmark their performance and receive strategic advice.

“Events and forums built around the awards programme also provide business people with chances to promote their successes, network with other business leaders, and motivate their staff,” Mr Mayson said.

The awards celebrate New Zealand business success in the world, with three general award categories recognising the direct contribution that small, medium and large businesses make to New Zealand’s economy. Four special category awards recognise businesses using innovative business approaches, research and development, design strategies, or commercialisation routes to help them succeed in global markets.

A Supreme Award will be presented to an overall winner that has stood out across all of the categories. Two separate awards also recognise the contribution an emerging and an outstanding business leader have made to the internationalisation of New Zealand business.

Mr Mayson said New Zealand businesses operating internationally helped grow the economy and improve living standards for all New Zealanders. Despite the challenging global economy during the past year plenty of New Zealand businesses had persisted with developing their international markets, he said.

“The awards are about recognising strong growth in a number of areas. In recent times companies may have focused on growing their share of a particular market, developing their product range, or increasing their brand profile. These are all powerful business strategies in difficult times.

“The awards process will provide timely feedback on how effective they are, allowing businesses to modify their approaches as necessary. This ability to be nimble is vital for New Zealand businesses that want to stay on top of ever-changing international markets,” Mr Mayson said.

ANZ continues in its role as Strategic Partner of the New Zealand International Business Awards. David Green, ANZ’s Managing Director Institutional, said: "Our support for these awards reflects ANZ’s commitment to supporting New Zealand exporters, using our strong connections and expertise in our key growth markets.

“The global economy has changed in recent months and will continue to evolve. What hasn’t altered is the need for New Zealand to remain relevant and engaged in the world of international business.

“Awards such as these not only celebrate our best international businesses but also help inspire and lead the way for other New Zealand companies seeking growth and traction in offshore markets Given ANZ’s operational strength and expertise in New Zealand’s major export markets, in particular Asia, we’re very pleased to help recognise the innovative New Zealand companies who are succeeding internationally."

TechNZ, the business investment arm of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, is supporting the four special category awards. Foundation chief executive and awards judge Murray Bain said businesses that invest in innovation accelerate their business growth and gain a competitive edge in international markets.

"New Zealand's most successful companies are those who recognise that sustainable competitive advantage comes from ongoing investment in innovation," Mr Bain said.

ENDS

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