Hastings' best and brightest business set gathered at Hawke's Bay Opera House last night for this year's HBS Bank Hastings City Business Award ceremony.
Nominated businesses waited with bated breath for the announcement of each of the eight category winners, and an overall Supreme Business award recipient.
Between awards, a panel ofrugby-style commentators, a pair of old biddies who gave their two cents, and even a streaker provided a bit of light relief.
The finalists were selected by 12 category judges, all businesspeople from Hastings, tasked with finding the most worthy nominee.
Two head judges - the managing director of Mitre 10 MEGA, Stephen Rickets, and the director of Shepherd Hensman, Peter Hensman, looked closely at the final results and chose Visique Shattky on Russell Optometrists as the Supreme Award-winner for Business Excellence.
Sponsors Bevan Duffy from Newstalk ZB and Jo Dryden from Hawke's Bay Today, presented the award.
"It really is all about success this evening," Mr Duffy said.
Taking home the coveted Business Excellence trophy brought back memories for the team at Visique Shattky on Russell Optometrists, who won the same trophy in its inaugural year, and again two years later.
"We were the first to to get this award 15 years ago, so it has been a real journey," optometrist Mark Eagle said.
"It's about finding different niches that are not being covered. It has been challenging. There is some fabulous competition out there now. A lot has changed since we first won the award," wife Julie Eagle added.
The business, which has operated for 106 years, won a second category, the EIT Excellence in Professional Service category.
M>Phosis Hair Stylists were also winners in two categories: the Geon Excellence in Health and Beauty and ANZ Excellence in Customer Service.
Hastings City Business Association manager Jane Janes said all the nominees had shown they are strong competitors, even in tough economic times.
"I think that these businesses continue to lift the bar," she said.
"We have so many businesses that are worthy of these awards."
