1 October 2009
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has announced that multidisciplinary engineering consultancy Beca, which has almost doubled annual international revenue to $118 million since 2006, as the winner of the Judges’ Supreme Award at the New Zealand International Business Awards 2009.
Beca competes for business globally and has more than 2,500 employees in 20 offices around the world. It was one of seven New Zealand companies recognised for outstanding success in international markets in the New Zealand International Business Awards 2009, which are organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
The other winning companies were Pitango Innovative Cuisine Ltd, Emerald Foods Ltd, BankLink, Modtec Industries Ltd, Gallagher Group Ltd, and Triodent Ltd.
New Zealand’s international business leaders were also acknowledged, with Mark Eglinton and Bill Gallagher named as the emerging and the outstanding leader in international business respectively.
Tim Gibson, Chief Executive of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise said, “These companies and individuals demonstrate best practice operation in global markets. They all have unique points of difference that make them stand out from the crowd, but they share passion and commitment; an ability to take advantage of changes in the business environment; and a view that there are no problems, only opportunities.
“From day one, I have been impressed with the calibre of Award entries we’ve received and the success stories of New Zealand businesses making their mark internationally. Today’s winners are the best of this outstanding group and their contribution to New Zealand deserves to be celebrated.”
As well as being selected as the Judges’ Supreme Award winner, Beca was also singled out as “Best business operating internationally – over $50m”. As overall winner, Beca receives $100,000 to support its growth strategy in international markets.
The high calibre of category winners made selecting the Judges’ Supreme Award Winner extremely tough, but Beca embodies all the attributes of a successful company.
“None of Beca’s success is left to chance. The company has developed a great capital structure that gives them room to grow and expand, a strong focus on research and development, and rigorous HR processes. Beca has built a culture that fosters innovation, which has helped the company stay agile and ahead of their competitors,” says Tim Gibson.
In the leadership categories the judges looked for individuals who were not just leaders within their own organisations, but who had played a vital role in helping to shape the future of their industries and communities.
“New Zealand needs more businesses to operate internationally, to access the growth opportunities in other markets and ensure the long term strength of our economy. Inspirational leaders, such as Bill and Mark, are vital to this success and are role models for others who aspire to lead their businesses into international markets." said David Green, Managing Director, Institutional New Zealand, ANZ, and one of the Award judges.
"As the Awards winners demonstrate, having a clear business strategy, and making a commitment to the high quality execution of this, are key to maintaining momentum through challenging market conditions.”
The New Zealand International Business Awards are organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and proudly supported by Strategic Partner, ANZ. Other Award partners include Business New Zealand and TechNZ, Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST).
For more information about the winners, visit www.nzte.govt.nz/awards.
Winners list
Judges’ Supreme Award
Judges’ Supreme Award for International Business: Beca
General categories
Best business operating internationally – under $10m: Pitango Innovative Cuisine Limited
Best business operating internationally - $10m to $50m: Emerald Foods Ltd
Best business operating internationally – over $50m: Beca
Special categories
Most innovative approach to international business: BankLink
Best use of design in international business: Modtec Industries Ltd
Best commercialisation of IP in international business: Gallagher Group Ltd
Best use of research and development in international business, supported by TechNZ: Triodent Ltd
Leadership categories
Emerging international business leader: Mark Eglinton
Outstanding international business leader: Bill Gallagher
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ann Clifford, NZTE, phone +64 4 816 8321 or +64 27 283 3858
Catherine Orr, n.b., phone +64 9 354 0558 or +64 27 563 7695
About the Awards
The New Zealand International Business Awards, organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, recognise New Zealand businesses operating successfully in international markets.
About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
The New Zealand Government’s economic development agency, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) works to stimulate economic growth by increasing the number and size of New Zealand businesses operating successfully – from starting out, to exporting and operating as international businesses – through services that include training, market development assistance and programmes that address productivity. We have offices around the world and connect New Zealand businesses with trade and investment opportunities internationally. NZTE was awarded the World Trade Promotion Organization’s “Best of the Best” Award at the World Trade Promotion Organization Awards in October 2008.
