Multiple awards reflect hard work

Environmental and sustainability awareness, business innovation excellence and small business excellence are just some of the strengths of Stratford businesses that were acknowledged at the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

Central Taranaki Automotive, OnFarm Safety NZ and Eastern Taranaki Adventures were all winners on Saturday night at the awards dinner.

As Central Taranaki Top Shop winners, Central Taranaki Automotive were named as finalists in the 2015 Top Shop Supreme Category as well as being named winners in the Environmental and Sustainability Awareness Excellence category and the Small Business Excellence category. The automotive business was also commended in the Health and Safety Excellence category and Service Industry Excellence category.

"We were blown away on Saturday night, it was such a surprise to receive awards in so many different categories," says owner operator Kevan Old.

Kevan says the awards reflect the hard work that has been put into the business by the team at Central Taranaki Automotive: "My 'sons' put their heart and soul into this business just as much as Wendy and I do". Kevan says the whole team become like an extended family to him and his wife Wendy.

Kevan adds that being acknowledged in the health and safety category was a highlight for him. "My sister Jennie Reed helped implement our health and safety plans so it is a testament to her work."

Wendy says the awards are also a reflection of the on-going support from the Stratford community. "We wouldn't be where we are today without our loyal customers."

Wendy encourages other Stratford businesses to get involved in the awards process next year. "The judges' feedback is so valuable, it really helps you to see where your business can grow."

Bronwyn Muir, managing director of OnFarm Safety NZ, would also like to see more Stratford businesses involved in the business excellence awards next year. "We entered this year as a way of reviewing our business and to gain feedback from an outside perspective, the actual awards were a bonus."

The Stratford based rural health and safety business was named a winner in the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Excellence category and received a highly commended in the Service Industry Excellence category.

Carol and Dave Digby of Eastern Taranaki Adventures also see the awards as a way of 'auditing' their business. The couple received a commended prize in the Small Business Excellence category on Saturday night. "We've been a part of these awards for many years, it is a very rewarding process," says Carol.

Dave says while the couple don't enter in the competition every year, they will be back and would like to see even more Stratford businesses entered again next year.