Triumph over adversity

Hamilton’s CBD businesses had to endure Covid’s stranglehold throughout 2021, but it didn’t stop
almost 80 entries competing for honours in the recent Hamilton CBD Awards, and the winners were celebrated in true style.

“The calibre of entries was incredibly high and so impressed the judges,” reports Vanessa Williams, GM of the Hamilton Central Business Association. “It was wonderful to have the whole business community rally behind the awards and submit entries.”

She says it has been heartening to see how people have adapted and kept their businesses relevant. All the entrants have a story to tell and have contributed to making Hamilton’s CBD a vibrant and exciting place to do business.

“The key elements identified by the judges included the business contribution to Hamilton central city’s ongoing transformation,” explains Vanessa. “Specifically, around business expansion, commercial development and ongoing adaptability of business operations.”

For the business community to be able to tell their story through the awards, to reflect-on and celebrate the successes, is hugely important.

It’s also a huge morale booster for staff, believes Vanessa.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with positive feedback from our place-getters and award entrants who appreciated the opportunity to tell their story and celebrate their individual and collective business achievements.”

She is full of praise for the local community.

“Particularly for our close contact businesses in retail, hospitality, and health and beauty, for their fantastic local support.
“Supporting local has certainly been a well promoted and recognised theme over the past two years, with some great stories of businesses enjoying the surge in customer spending, particularly during Black Friday in November and the lead up to Christmas.”

CREAM ON TOP
Cream Eatery, a central city café launched intook out both Best Café and Best Social Media awards. With Designwell winning Best New Space under 250sqm for the Cream Eatery development, Cream was then declared the Best
of the Best with their multiple category wins.

The Best Social Responsibility Award category saw Beca winning Best Big Business and Texas Radio winning Best Small Business.

Company-X won Best Professional Services Innovation for its series of innovative software projects.

“Our major sponsor Spark Business and contributory sponsor Mediaworks had no hesitation in backing the CBD awards,” says
Vanessa. “To have organisations of this size and stature showing the business community that they are supporting, recognising and appreciating them through their sponsorship, speaks volumes.”

BRING ON 2022
Vanessa is hopeful of a record number of entries in 2022. “It is a fantastic way to take stock of your business, celebrate your achievements, recognise your staff and solidify your future plans.”

The Hamilton CBD Awards are all about recognising business trends and showcasing the best the central city has to offer, she says.

“If you are passionate about your business and have something that you think should be recognised, rewarded or celebrated, then please enter.

“Hamilton’s CBD continues to go from strength to strength and we’re proud to recognise the companies who all contribute to making Hamilton a great place to do business.” ■  www.hamiltoncentral.co.nz