International Business Awards finalists go global from NZ’s regions

Among the finalists in the 2010 New Zealand International Business Awards are Paengaroa-based Comvita, Invercargill’s Essential Resources, Blenheim’s Mount Riley Wines, Dannevirke sheet metal business Metalform, Dunedin automation business Scott Technology and Palmerston North plant technology provider Grasslanz Technology.

The winners of nine categories, and the Judges’ Supreme Award for International Business, will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Langham hotel in Auckland on October 13. The awards have been developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to build awareness about new ways that companies are finding success internationally, and to encourage other Kiwi businesses to export and grow in global markets.

NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp says it has designed a programme of activity underpinning the awards that provides entrants with a valuable opportunity to think hard about their business strategies and receive feedback from assessors and judges.

“The past two years have been challenging. But the mix of finalists shows that flexible approaches and an ability to seek out niche opportunities can bring rewards, even in tough times.”

Essential Resources co-owners Nicola Smith and Geraldine Sloane began their business publishing supplementary teaching materials in 2001. From Invercargill, they were exporting to Australia within two years and exports now account for 60 percent of sales. The company sells a range of 300-plus pre-school, primary and secondary resources, in both printed and e-book formats.

Managing Director Nicola Smith says its customers want interesting and relevant support resources to help them focus on the job of teaching and education. By operating a fully integrated operation, from print through to dispatch, the company is able to maintain tight control throughout the value chain.

“Considering our business alongside the awards’ judging criteria motivated us to develop a high-calibre export strategy plan so we can continue achieving our export potential, as well as providing us with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our successes to date.”

Essential Resources is a finalist for both the Best Business Operating Internationally with a total annual revenue under $10m, and the Most Innovative Approach to International Business.

Comvita began in the basement of founder Claude Stratford’s home in 1974 and has steadily grown into a global natural health brand and the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of Manuka honey. From Paengaroa, with a population of around 500, Comvita’s woundcare, healthcare, skincare and functional food products are sold to more than 14 countries.

Chief executive Brett Hewlett says the company has enjoyed a compound annual growth rate over the past five years of 25 percent. “One of the keys to our international success is our very effective products, which are proven to work when they face the ultimate test – in the hands of our customers.”

Comvita is a finalist for Best Business Operating Internationally with a  total annual revenue of more than $50m.