The Categories

There are 11 categories and three excellence awards.

Entrants need to choose two or more categories to enter into and answer the questions specific to these categories in the entry form.

Customer Service - businesses which are committed (resources and staff) to ‘wowing' its customers and being known for great service.
 
Staff Development - businesses which demonstrate a high degree of excellence reached in the training and up-skilling of its staff. 

Operational Capability-  businesses that have the systems and methods which have provided substantial improvements to the operating, quality and presentation of products and/or services for its customers. 

Health & Safety - businesses which have in place health and safety systems that provide a safe and compliant working environment for staff, customers and users.

Marketing and Image Building - businesses that have developed a distinct marketing culture resulting in a strong recognition of their products / services to benefit the company and its customers.

New Thinking - these businesses have the most innovative culture in the region. This category looks at the innovative responses that have been used to provide solutions that benefit customers or end-users. 

Sustainability - businesses which show a commitment to the inter related health and well-being of the environment and society.  

Regional Branding & Promotion - businesses that have made an extra effort to promote the region or its unique characteristics in their marketing or branding to mutually benefit their company and the region.
 
Hi-Growth - businesses managing a high growth strategy and/or are reshaping themselves to maximise their high growth potential.  (Provide evidence showing growth over the last three years).

Export - To be eligible for this category the business must be exporting: that means you must be engaged in an activity that generates export revenue for your business. The business must manage the export activity from a location within the Nature Coast Region and applicants must have been exporting for at least three years.

Not for profit -  Organisations that operate in the community without profit as a key driver.  (Please provide a copy of you Certificate of Incorporation).

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EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Without focusing on a specific category, entrants in the Excellence Awards display a wider degree of ‘best practice' across the business as a whole.  Assessors will discuss your potential entry into these Awards at your interview.

Small Business of the Year - small businesses, with 5 or fewer staff, that have been operating continuously for three years or more.

Emerging Business of the Year - any type of business that has been operating for less than three years and can demonstrate that it is making a significant impact in its market.

Past Masters Award - for previous ‘Business of the Year' Award Winners that have shown the most significant improvements in the manner in which their business has developed since their ‘Business of the Year' was awarded. 

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ELECTRA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Category and excellence award winners are eligible to win the Business of the Year title.

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Category and excellence award winners are eligible to win the Electra Business of the Year title or the BNZ Highly Commended Award.