Future-focused Nelson business wins The David Awards

The judges have high praise for Frank Witowski, owner of Nelson-based Hybrid Bikes and the 2021 Supreme Winner of The David Awards, New Zealand’s small, home and micro business awards.

Comments from the six judges include:

“Hybrid Bikes is an outstanding example of a niche business with a premium offering, punching well above its weight in a challenging market, while supporting and remaining connected to its local community, and staying climate positive. A thoroughly deserving winner.”

“Frank has applied his engineering and entrepreneurial skills to an innovative business venture and worked persistently hard to realise his vision – to develop and market a premium product; one that has excellent export potential.”

Frank himself is thrilled with the results. “I’m excited! We’ve worked so hard since day one to establish a brand in New Zealand for New Zealanders and to get that recognition is amazing,” he says.

Blood, sweat and tears

“On behalf of Voyager Internet, congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners,” says Deidre Steyn, Chief Commercial Officer at Voyager, one of the prize sponsors of this year’s awards. “As a New Zealand telco that serves thousands of homes and small businesses across the country, we understand firsthand the huge amount of blood, sweat, and tears that go into running your own company.

“This, especially in these challenging times, is a major achievement in itself. We are thrilled to be able to gift Frank, the Supreme Winner, with a luxury weekend away, so he can take some well-earned time to relax and unwind!”

Celebrating our unsung heroes

The David Awards, which recognise the unsung heroes in home and small business, have been running since 2008. The competition took a break in 2020 due to Covid, but has made a strong comeback in 2021. Founder Heather Douglas says entry numbers this year were 26 percent up on the best-ever year.

“This has been an incredibly hard year for New Zealand businesses so it’s fantastic to have something to celebrate,” says Heather. “Every year we have such great entries that it seems we can’t possibly have better ones the following year – and every year the entrants prove us wrong.”

This year has been no exception, she says, with the judges reporting a rise in the standard of entries – combined with, by far, the largest field of entries ever, including a jump of almost 40 percent in the People’s Choice Award.

To view the full winners video from The David Awards 2021 go to https://www.thedavidawards.co.nz/

The 2021 Winners:

SUPREME WINNER: Hybrid Bikes

THE MOST OUTSTANDING FLEDGLING BUSINESS

Winner: ResolvePay

Finalists:

Lusid Beauty

Nine Yards Consulting

Secret Kiwi Kitchen

Straw the Line NZ

THE MOST OUTSTANDING ESTABLISHED BUSINESS

Winner: Hybrid Bikes