Awards showcase Wellington’s best businesses

 The capital’s diverse business community is being given a chance to shine in 2021, with entries now open for the Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards.

Entries open Monday 23rd August for the prestigious Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards, to be celebrated at a black-tie gala hosted by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors in November.

The Awards, now in its 14th year, celebrate the dozens of local businesses that contribute to the region’s vibrant and successful business community. 

Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, says after an extremely disruptive and challenging 18 months, the Awards are more important than ever. 

“Business is the unsung hero in our community. From keeping people employed in uncertain times, to increasing inclusion and diversity in the workplace, to tackling environmental issues, and supporting charitable and community groups; our local businesses do so much good work. The awards are an opportunity for businesses to celebrate their efforts, drive, and determination as well as their contribution to our communities.

I encourage businesses to enter and tell their success stories because they deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”

This year there are 10 categories for the Awards, which include: Manufacturing & Distribution, Innovation & Technology, Hospitality, Tourism and Retail, Service and Support, Trades and Infrastructure, Not for Profit, Best Emerging Business, Young Business Person of the year, Employment Excellence and Environmental Excellence.  

The awards are free to enter and are open to any business based within the Wellington Region. The overall winner elected from the category winners will be awarded the Supreme Business of the Year Award.

Previous winners include Cuttriss Consultants, who won the 2019 Supreme Business of the Year Award and took out the Professional Services category.

Reflecting on their achievements, director Colin McElwain said, “It was a really great evening to celebrate business within the region. It was well organised and at a fantastic location. The first win was quite a surprise and the second just bowled us over. A lot of us were buzzing all weekend. We received a lot of publicity and positive reaction from various quarters which was great.”

For the first time this year, the Awards will induct a business into the Hall of fame.

The gala event, which takes place on 19 November, is expected to attract up to 500 guests and will be held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre.   

“The gala event is a great way for many businesses to show their appreciation to the staff and customers by hosting them to a fabulous night out with plenty of entertainment, glitz, great company and of course, a very special dining experience that is sure to wow,” says Mark Skelly.

Entries close on Wednesday 29^th September at 5pm and finalists will be announced Monday 4th October 2021 and celebrated at a Finalist Function on 21 October.

Entry forms and further information are available online at https://hvchamber.org.nz/wellington-region-business-excellence-awards/