Tickets for the 2011 Wanganui Business Awards are selling fast, Wanganui Employers' Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Duncan says. The night has been sponsored by Wanganui Security Services and the occasion is set to have all its usual glamour.
Ms Duncan would not reveal the theme, butsaid there would be people in body paint as usual, and the performances would be very physical. "It's one of my favourite themes, so I'm very excited."
The date for the big night at the Wanganui War Memoria Hall been changed to November 5, because of a prior booking. The awards received about the same number of entries as last year, and entrants have been attending workshops run by Massey University's College of Business.
Motel rating improves
Vanessa Frew and David Gill are pleased their 151 on London Motel has been rated four star-plus. The motel was assessed last month, and got a four star rating for its 26 units and conference centre, and an Enviro Bronze Award for such practices as recycling, buying locally and giving guests the option to reuse towels. It was the second assessment for the pair since they took on the lease of the motel 16 months ago. Last assessment they squeaked through to get four stars, and Ms Frew was proud of the improvement. "It's great to know your business practices and policies work to provide the guests their best day." She's likely to aim for five stars next year.
Ms Frew had some business background and was working as a nurse, while Mr Gill was driving trucks before they took on the motel lease. They have had a steady flow of guests during the Rugby World Cup, but nothing excessive. 151 on London Motel has been open for two and a half years. Its owners have put it on the market and Frew and Gill have a lease that could run for 35 years.
Wanganui Tyres and Alloys has moved the commercial side of its business to a very logical place - next door to Emmetts Service Centre at 355 Heads Rd. It has leased one end of the former Emmetts building on the corner of Gilberd St, co-director Darrell Robinson said. Because it mainly dealt with retreads, repairs and new truck and tractor tyres the site in Wanganui's industrial heartland made sense. It was more convenient for customers, and the directors had gained two new accounts since the move a month ago. "Most of our client base is out in this area." Mr Robinson and fellow director and owner Keith Savell started their business in Wilson St 14 months ago, dealing with truck and car tyres from the one place.
