David Trubridge is Hawke’s Bay Exporter of the Year

ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay
Media Statement

Friday 22nd July 2016

David Trubridge is Hawke’s Bay Exporter of the Year

Whakatu lighting, furniture, and jewellery designer David Trubridge has won ExportNZ’s ASB Exporter of the Year Award.

The award was presented by the Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank, Mike Atkins, at the awards dinner last night at The Old Church in Meeanee.

David Trubridge had earlier in the night won the Napier Port Most Sustainable in Export Award. Also contesting the Exporter of Year were Hastings stainless steel fabricator McLaren Stainless, which won the QBE Insurance Most Exciting New Product in Export Award, and Hastings portable wind machine manufacturer Tow and Blow, which won the NZL, ContainerCo Innovation in Export Award. Napier water pump manufacturer Phoenix Fire Pumps was awarded the Business Central Judge’s Choice Award.

David Trubridge said his company entered the awards to see how they measured up alongside other local companies, and if they were doing well then for people to know about it.

“I have always been proud that we can run an international company from Whakatu. We joke about having our tagline as Milan, New York, Whakatu … but I do think it is important to promote this message that you can do this kind of thing without being in Auckland, let alone the middle of Europe.

“Of course it is nice to have that recognised. And for me it is also important that the people in my team, especially Josh Lynch, see their great work recognised beyond my appreciation.”

The full list of finalists was: QBE Insurance Most Exciting New Product in Export Award – ABB, McLaren Stainless, RCR Energy, Phoenix Fire Pumps. Napier Port Most Sustainable in Export Award – David Trubridge, GreenMount Foods, RDCL. NZL, ContainerCo Innovation in Export Award – Phoenix Fire Pumps, RCR Energy, Tow and Blow.

ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Executive Officer Amanda Liddle said David Trubridge was a most worthy winner.

“They’re a wonderful representative for Hawke’s Bay on the international scene, with particularly their distinctive lighting designs up there with the best in the world. We’re privileged to have them here in Hawke’s Bay.

“They won this award by fighting off a long list of extremely high-calibre entries. We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of companies that entered, and it’s clear that Hawke’s Bay business is in extremely good shape.”

Principle sponsor ASB Bank said the second year of the awards again tested the judging panel with high-quality submissions making for close and intense competition. “They’ve blown us away and we continue to be excited to be part of the future of Hawkes Bay’s exporters,” said Mike Atkins.

“We know Hawke’s Bay is home to a diverse range of industries and businesses, underpinned by a strong primary sector. This year we’ve been impressed by a number of entries from the manufacturing sector which, in typical Kiwi style, attempt to fly under the radar.

“ASB continues to invest in Hawke’s Bay to help show our expertise and enthusiasm for the region and export sector, and by supporting the ongoing work of the ExportNZ team to continue their good work as a significant voice for local exporters.”

Business Central Chief Executive John Milford says the awards are a great chance for businesses to show what they’re doing on the world stage and to expand their business horizons and get inspired.

“These businesses deserve to be celebrated and congratulated on the fantastic work they’re doing both at home and overseas.

“We’re grateful for the support again this year from ASB, who clearly want to be part of the significant contribution Hawke’s Bay businesses are making to the New Zealand economy.”

Business Central, which oversees ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay, represents employers across the lower North Island. It provides employer, health and safety, and human resources advice, and advocates policies that reflect the interest of the business community.

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