Automotive sector honours excellence

It was an evening of surprises for a Tauranga business owner, who received top honours at the inaugural Bay of Plenty Times MTA Tauranga awards.

The awards, which celebrated and recognised individuals in the automotive industry, were celebrated on Saturday night at Classic Flyers museum by a crowd of about 250 guests.

There were 12 awards up for grabs, including best service station, sponsored by Classic Hits, which went to Shell Bethlehem.

The big winner of the evening was Mike Stanwell, owner of Smith & Boyle Automotive Body Repairs. He was awarded the Supreme Business Award, sponsored by Bay of Plenty Times.

Mr Stanwell, who has owned Smith & Boyle for eight years, said the win came as a surprise.

"I knew we were nominated in three categories ... but to get the overall award was a tremendous result."

Mr Stanwell said his success was a result of a well-oiled team.

"I was very moved by it but it's not just me. It's the people involved in the business that deserve this."

MTA Tauranga branch president Mike Deane said he was pleased with the outcome of the evening, considering it was the inaugural event.

"The feedback we've got was such that the sponsors really want to be involved again so, as far as we can tell, we will be running this again next year."

Award winners:

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  Best Service Station Award sponsored by classic Hits was Shell Bethlehem.
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  Best apprentice Award sponsored by BOP Polytechnic was John Nak Georges Auto Services Ltd (Katikati).
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  Best Automotive Technician Award Sponsored by Repco was Blair Brookbanks Farmer Motor Group.
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  Best Parts Person Award sponsored by Castrol was Ryan Middleton Repco Tauranga.
• 
  Best Office Administrator Award sponsored by SAM Computer Systems was Richelle Erickson Papamoa Automotive Service Centre.Best Marketing Concept Award sponsored by AMP was Darryn Woodward Bayride Motorcycles Ltd.
• 
  Best Sales Person Award sponsored by MTA was Mike Mercep Repco Fraser Cove.
• 
  Best Service Manager Award sponsored by BNT was Ray Mayos Sheaff Vehicles Ltd.
• 
  Best Small Business Award (up to 4 employees) sponsored by Century Batteries was Sandra Phillips, Phillips Garage.
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  Best Medium Business Award (5 to 10 employees) sponsored by Telecom was Dion Mair DM Auto Services.
• 
  Best Specialist Repairer sponsored by Phil's Place was Mike Stanwell, Smith & Boyle Automotive Body Repairs.
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  Supreme Business Award sponsored by Bay of Plenty Times was Mike Stanwell.