The Business Coaching New Zealand Best Emerging Business Award went to a company which is growing so fast owner/founder Jules Smith is already exploring export markets in Australia.
Washbar Ltd originated just a couple of years ago when a friend, knowing her informal interest in making soap, made an urgentrequest for a natural healthcare shampoo for a pet suffering extreme reactions to commercial chemical products.
Ms Smith developed a product made from neem oil, neem leaf and Australian-produced tea-tree oil to sooth flea allergy and keep fleas at bay, later developing it commercially as The Original WashBar. The product sold well; more products have since been developed in response to customer demand, including the three variations of the new 100 per cent Natural Daily Spritzer, which control fleas and counter doggy smells on the animals, and in cars, dog beds and houses. A quarter of the Spritzer stock has sold since last week's launch.
Washbar products are now made by a contract manufacturer but are packaged and distributed to 200 pet shops and vet clinics from Invercargill to Kaitaia from the family home near Whangarei.
October 2012 was a landmark month for Washbar Ltd, with the company winning two awards - the Emerging Business Award and the nationwide business-sponsored David Award, as well as launching the well-received Spritzer.
The David Award recognises "ordinary, small, home or micro businesses, which often fly beneath the national radar but are doing extraordinary things".
Ms Smith said the company had also recently made a leap of faith with her husband Pete winding up his agricultural contracting business, which had previously supplied regular cash-flow, and joining the business full-time. He is currently in Australia sourcing outlets.
"It was a big step to take and having made the decision we just have to tough it out until the Washbar returns reflect the additional effort that Pete brings to the business, but this is made easier by having a robust strategic business plan in place. We are clear about the direction we taking the business in and have good checks and balances in place to ensure we are on track. We work hard but it never feels like hard work."
