"Laser Plumbing and Electrical has applied the feedback from previous awards plus they have an external mentor giving them an edge that is producing amazing rewards.
"We are grateful for the sponsorship support of PAN PAC the 2017 Naming Rights Sponsor plus the category sponsors and support sponsors who are all committed to making the events the premier event of the Hawke's Bay calendar."
Pan Pac managing director Doug Ducker said it was important that the contributions made by businesses were recognised.
"The business awards for us are very, very important to the region. The development of business is very critical."
He said while one in every 20 dollars of income in the region could be traced back to Pan Pac the company could not survive without the support of local businesses, talent and local education providers.
Laser Electrical and Plumbing co-owner Paul Manaena said he felt very humbled just to be nominated, as he picked up the award just a year and a half after merging the plumbing business with the existing electrical side of the franchise.
Earlier in the night he accepted the NZME – Medium to Large Business Award to the sounds of a haka performed by staff and a whanau. He and his son and co-owner Reihana Manaena responded with a stage shaking haka of their own.
DataNow took out the EIT – Small Business award for companies employing 1-5 FTEs, competing against Eftpos Specialists (HB) Ltd and Caci Clinic – Havelock North
Kiwi Tax was named winner of the Chartered Accountants Australia, New Zealand Small to Medium Business award for companies employing 6-20 FTEs, up against fellow finalists AskYourTeam and Douglas Outdoor Living Solutions.
Laser Plumbing & Electrical also took out the NZME award for medium to large businesses employing 21-35 FTEs, against Boulevard Cleaning and Jacksons Flooring
The Great Things Grow Here award for large businesses went to Oil Intel, which was up against finalists One Staff and Brebner Print.
The Linden Estate Leader of the Year award went to Ei Mua Consulting Ltd's principal consultant Caren Rangi, who said she was 'really chuffed.
"It's really nice. I was a little surprised I guess, especially since a lot of my leadership roles are outside Hawke's Bay in Auckland, Wellington and the Cook Islands. I'm mostly known here for my work with Eastern and Central Community Trust. It was especially nice to be recognised for my governance roles which are not always recognised as a cool thing."
Laser electrical and plumbing co owner Paul Manaema said he felt 'very humbled' just to be nominated, he picked up the award just a year and a half after merging the plumbing business with the existing electrical side of the franchise
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the council was proud to support the awards which recognised the outstanding contribution businesses across the region made to the local economy by providing employment