8 September 2010
Twenty-five companies and five business leaders are finalists in the 2010 New Zealand International Business Awards.
Developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in partnership with the private sector, the awards recognise new approaches that businesses are taking to achieve international success.
Winners of each of the nine categories, as well as the 2010 Supreme Winner, will be announced at an awards ceremony on 13 October in Auckland.
NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp said the finalists were some of New Zealand’s most innovative, nimble and determined exporters.
“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.”
The awards are supported by Strategic Partner ANZ. TechNZ, the business investment arm of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, is supporting four special category awards that recognise particular areas of focus for international business.
Mr Chrisp said NZTE had designed a programme of activity underpinning the awards that provided entrants with a valuable opportunity to think hard about their business strategies and receive feedback from assessors and judges.
““New Zealand’s standard of living depends on the success of our businesses, particularly those operating in international markets and earning foreign exchange. I commend all those that took the time to enter this year’s awards and congratulate the finalists
“Their achievements are inspirational and their stories show how trying new approaches to global business can bring both personal and economic rewards,” Mr Chrisp said.
Graham Turley, Managing Director, Commercial ANZ, said the finalists pushed the boundaries of doing business locally and internationally.
“The finalists have all demonstrated innovative thinking, decisive leadership and a willingness to take advantage of opportunities for growing their businesses, qualities that are important for growing New Zealand's economy,” Mr Turley said.
More information about the finalists can be found at www.nzte.govt.nz/awards
2010 New Zealand International Business Awards Finalists:
General categories
Best business operating internationally – under $10m
This award recognises success by net return to the New Zealand economy for businesses with total annual revenue under $10 million.
- Canary Enterprises
- Yacht Lifeline
- Mobile Mentor
- Essential Resources
- Manuka Health
- M-Com
- Mount Riley Wines
Best business operating internationally - $10m to $50m
This award recognises success by net return to the New Zealand economy for businesses with total annual revenue between $10 million and $50 million.
- The Sweet Shop
- Altitude Aerospace Interiors
- Gallagher Security Management Systems
- Simcro
Best business operating internationally – over $50m
This award recognises success by net return to the New Zealand economy for businesses with total annual revenue of over $50 million.
- Comvita
- Pumpkin Patch
- The New Zealand Merino Company
- Cognition Education
- Douglas Pharmaceuticals
Special categories (supported by TechNZ)
Best use of research and development in international business
This award recognises the role of research and development in making innovative products and services successful in international markets.
- Metalform (Dannevirke)
- Scott Technology
- Simcro
Best commercialisation of intellectual property in international business
This award recognises success in developing and commercialising intellectual property (IP) in international markets; incorporating IP strategy, processes, and monitoring.
- Grasslanz Technology
- Telemetry Research
- EverEdge IP
- Zee Tags
- Bomac Laboratories
Best use of design in international business
This award recognises the best use of design to succeed in a global market niche, by using design to anticipate customer needs and by designing innovative products, services and brands.
- Canary Enterprises
- Metalform (Dannevirke)
- Mobile Mentor
- Nimbus Lighting
- Pumpkin Patch
Most innovative approach to international business
This award recognises innovative approaches designed to maximise international revenue, control costs and risk, access markets and funding, leverage networks and expertise. Innovative structures could include joint ventures, strategic alliances, capital structures/investment, licensees, franchises, and acquisitions.
- Essential Resources
- M-Com
- GMP Pharmaceuticals
- Pumpkin Patch
- The New Zealand Merino Company
Leadership categories
Emerging international business leader
This award recognises the vision, commitment and success of an emerging leader in the internationalisation of New Zealand business.
- Steve Wilson
- Bryn Thompson
- Clayton Kimpton
Outstanding international business leader
This award recognises the vision, commitment and success of an outstanding leader with a long history in internationalisation.
- John Brakenridge
- Rod Drury
For more information contact:
Anna McIntyre, NZTE Communications Consultant, phone 04 816 8317, mobile 0275 498 155, email anna.mcintyre@nzte.govt.nz.
