Time for North's business achievers to celebrate successes

Chamber CEO Tony Collins said the awards gave businesses the opportunity to stand back and examine operations.

The companies keeping Northland's business cogs moving will be lavished with praise and accolades when the annual Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards kicks off.

Hosted tonight at Forum North, more than 300 people are expected to attend the ceremony which is organised by the Northland branch of the Chamber of Commerce.

This year, there are a total of 50 entries vying for 14 titles, celebrating everything from workplace safety to sustainability for small, medium and large-scale operations.

There are categories for arts business, owner-operated, not-for-profit, emerging business and the Northland INC Judges Commendation Award.

The Northern Advocate and Radio Network Business Hall of Fame Award winner will also be named tonight.

The memory of the late Michael Springford was honoured last year when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, with his family and team at LJ Hooker accepting the award.

Chamber CEO Tony Collins said the awards gave businesses the opportunity to stand back and examine operations, while offering a framework for success and an outside perspective.

Last year, the Supreme 2013 Westpac Northland Business of the Year award was won by Far North Fuels.