Local businesses mark their mark

Central Taranaki has made its mark on this year's TSB Bank Top Shop competition with a range of local business making it into the top 60 as voted by the public.

While there are a lot of first time nominations for the businesses from Central Taranaki, they are all ready to put up strong competition heading into the next round of judging.

The Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, partner of the TSB Top Shop, is delighted once again to be involved and CEO Richard Williams is encouraged by the amount of businesses wanting to be involved this year. "With over 322 businesses nominated across the province, it reaffirms that we really do have a great retail and service sector here in Taranaki and that it is a vital part of the Taranaki economy.

Grant Best, of Stadium Restaurant and Bar, says he was delighted to hear that his business had made it into the top 60. "We've never been a part of the competition before, it was good feeling to have received so many nominations." Grant, who is quietly confident about making it to the next round, says the staff at Stadium Restaurant and Bar have a personal approach when it comes to customer service. "We have a loyal group of regular customers show us a lot of support so the aim is to make them feel at home here." Grant adds that being active on social media has also helped build the businesses reach with customers. "We run competitions each week and interact with the pubic through Facebook."

Jessie Angell, of Illusion Day Spa, also uses social media to interact with her clients. "I like to run competitions for my clients as well as share updates and promotions on Facebook."

Having only opened in March of this year, Jessie says she was very excited to hear that Illusion Day Spa had been chosen in the top 60.

"Consistency of care and service is what I aim to provide, I want my clients to leave feeling happy and relaxed after every visit," says Jessie.

Windsor Cafe in Inglewood are also new to the Top Shop competition. Kim and Zac Scown took over the cafe in 2010 and say consistent service is also a goal for their staff.

Zac says the couple have always been eager to be nominated into the top 60 were very happy to receive the news. "We always want our customers to receive the best customer service, the best food and the best value for money so it is wonderful to be recognised for our hard work," says Zac. "We wouldn't be here without the continued support of our customers and we hope their votes can get us through to the next round."

2014 winners of the Central Taranaki Top Shop award Fieldtorque Taranaki are back in the running this year having made it into the top 60 again. Owners, Kathryn and David Hinton, were overwhelmed last year with the level of support from their customers. "It was our first time in the competition last year and we weren't sure what to expect, it's is great to hear we were nominated again this year," says Kathryn.

With a strong focus on customer service for the 16 worker team, Fieldtorque Taranaki would like to bring home the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Award. "That would be a great accolade to achieve," says David.

Central Taranaki Automotive are also return competitors to Top Shop. Kevan and Wendy Old won the Westpac Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Central Top Shop in 2013, only one year after taking ownership of the business.

Wendy says that hearing the news that Central Taranaki Automotive made it into the top 60 again this year was exciting.

"We pride ourselves on producing the best quality service for all our clients and we appreciate that they recognise this and continue to show their support."

With voting closing this Friday, June 19 the competition is heating up as only 30 businesses will go forward to the judging round.

The winners of six categories, along with three regional winners, will be announced at the TSB Bank Top Shop Awards to be held at the Devon Hotel on Saturday, July 18.

To vote for your Top Shop check out www.taranakichamber.co.nz/content/tsb-bank-top-shop-voting-form