It’s the showcase business award event of the year, and after a flurry of fifteen awards handed out, LIVE catches up with some of the winners to find
what these successful businesses do — and why they won.
A prominent Taranaki business involved in the building and retail industries for nearly 50 years showed it has more than kept up with the times when it dominated the 2022 TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards.
Jones and Sandford Timber & Hardware, the owner and operator of New Plymouth’s two Mitre 10 stores, was named the winner of the Supreme Award at a black-tie function at the TSB Stadium in late November.
It was a night to remember for owner Stuart Jones, who started the business in 1974, as they also won the Large Business Excellence Award, the Employer of Choice award and the Environmental Excellence awards.
The judges were more than complimentary in their assessment of the company’s performance.
“We were impressed with management’s passion and deep understanding of the business,” the judges said. “There is excellent integration and cooperation across what is a very complex business environment. The outstanding leadership, strong team culture of excellence and high level of performance make Jones & Sandford’s Mitre 10 a worthy winner of this year’s Supreme Award.”
The coveted Taranaki Mayoral Award for 2022 went to Alan Beck, who gained his private pilot’s license 53 years ago and founded Beck Helicopters in South Taranaki in 1972. One of the longest serving helicopter operators in NZ, it has grown from a spraying operation to delivering numerous types of agricultural, fire-fighting, utility and passenger transport operations throughout NZ, Australia and the USA.
Beck led the national Down to the Wire campaign that has seen most of the overhead electric fence wires throughout NZ removed – saving lives of many helicopter pilots – plus he has a long history with Search and Rescue operations, participating in over 500 rescues.
This was the 28th year of the Business Excellence Awards run by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce.
TSB CEO Donna Cooper says the bank has been proud to sponsor this event for the last eight years because it highlights what the local business community contributes to Taranaki.
Chamber CEO Arun Chaudhari said that the awards process was a valuable tool to help businesses.
“Business keeps us all so busy that we can easily forget to stand back and assess how we are doing. Entrants receive external professional feedback, which helps them to do better business.
“It is important to recognise and celebrate success after what has been a tough couple of years for businesses everywhere.”
RESULTS
Supreme Award: Mitre 10 J&S Timber & Hardware
Large Business: Mitre 10 J&S Timber & Hardware
Medium Business: Novotel New Plymouth
Small Business: Theory Food
Manufacturing or Engineering: Tasman Trolleys & Medical Equipment
Technology: Yonder HQ
Visitor Experience: Novotel New Plymouth
New and Emerging Business: The Promo Room
Brand & Marketing: Idyllic
Innovation: Debt Free Ltd
Employer of Choice: Mitre 10 J&S Timber & Hardware
Hospitality: Theory Food
Not for profit: Taranaki Kiwi Trust
Environmental: Mitre 10 J&S Timber & Hardware
Health & Safety: Methanex NZ Ltd
ENTRIES FOR 2023 will open in early July
To register your expression of interest
Contact: michelle@taranakichamber.co.nz