Cambridge finalists in Waipa Business Awards

 

Thirteen Cambridge businesses will feature as finalists at Friday’s Waipa Business Awards, kicking off at the Mystery Creek Events centre from 6.30pm.

The Awards recognise, reward and celebrate business excellence across the Waipa district and in Raglan. Nick Rado will MC the evening, which will include live entertainment from Antenna and a three-course meal. Tickets are still on sale at www.waipabusinessawards.co.nz.

The Cambridge finalists include…

Accounted4 (finalist in Customer Choice)

“Accounted4 are proud to be a finalist once again for the Customer Choice Award. We strive for excellence in our customer service and relations.” – the Accounted4 team. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Cambridge Body Art (finalist in Customer Choice)

“We are thrilled. It’s a huge honour to be a finalist for the Customer Choice award, especially in our industry. We actually didn’t find out that we were nominated for voting until a week into the voting period, so it was very surprising for us to see that we were actually finalists, it’s very very cool.” – Tash and Pete Van Dijk, Cambridge Body Art. Photo – Michael Jeans.

The Lily Pad Cafe (finalist in Customer Choice)

“The Lily Pad Cafe team are thrilled to be finalists in the Customer Choice category. We are especially proud that this is the 6th consecutive year we have been finalists in this category. This would not be possible without our amazing hard-working staff and loyal customers who voted for us. Thank you for your support.” – Abby Kay, Manager, The Lily Pad Café. Pictured: Baylee Priest, Jessie Stickler, Abby Kay & Amanda Smythe. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Cambridge Glass (finalist in Excellence in Business and Best Customer Service)

“We’re really excited to get a finalist position again, and to be in the ‘Medium’ business category this year because we were finalists in the ‘Small’ category last year, so it’s very cool to be in the next category up! It has been a really busy 18 months so it’s really great to see the growth and be recognised for it.” – Glen and Jos Philip, Cambridge Glass. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Onyx Café & Restaurant (finalist in Best Customer Service and Neeraj Mamgain Employee of the Year)

“It was quite exciting to find out I was a finalist for Employee of the Year. I suppose it’s just a reward that you get after your hard work, so I really appreciate it, it’s really nice. I’m a post graduate in Hospitality and I’ve been here almost five years now so I have gotten to know the customers really well, I suppose that’s the key.” – Neeraj (Cheta) Mamgain, Onyx Café & Restaurant. Photo – Michael Jeans.

The Stakeholder Agent (finalist in Excellence in Business)

“It was so exciting to learn that The Stakeholder Agent had become a finalist for the Waipa Business Awards. Having only been in business for 18 months with a new approach to helping organisations grow through leveraging connections and stakeholder relationships, we were absolutely delighted to be recognised.” – Amanda Hema, The Stakeholder Agent. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Alpha Street Kitchen & Bar (finalist in Excellence in Business, Sustainability and community, Digital strategy)

“It is a real thrill and surprise to be named a finalist in three categories! For us it’s a great validation of all the work that has gone on behind the scenes to make sure we are a long-term sustainable business, a good employer and great member of the Waipa community.” – Fiona Massey, Alpha Street Kitchen & Bar. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Jigsaw Professional Development (finalist in Excellence in Business, Digital strategy, Best Customer Service)

“We’re really excited and pleased to have made the finals. It really validates us as a company, what we set out to achieve and what our customers deserve us to be. Just to be acknowledged is fantastic.” – Kate Elizabeth Ricketts and Kerry Ann Saberton, Jigsaw Professional Development. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Sign Boss (finalist in Excellence in Business)

“We’re thrilled to be recognised for our hard work. We’re a new company, started from scratch and with that comes a lot of speedbumps along the way, where you just have to put your foot down and accelerate! A big thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way.” – Nikki McGregor and Chris Place (right) along with Calman McClenaghan and Brianna Bateman, Sign Boss. Photo – Michael Jeans.

Nova Health (Excellence in Business, Digital strategy)

“We are delighted after a year of exceptional growth and hard work to be selected as a finalist in the ‘Large’ business category as well as ‘Excellence in Digital Strategy and Implementation’. It has been a great opportunity to evaluate our business and we look forward to showcasing to the Waipa what Nova Health is all about.” – Andrew McCathie (right), and Samuel Mackenzie, Nova Health. Photo – Michael Jeans.

EvolveU (finalist in Excellence in Business)

“I am thrilled and elated to be a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Sole Trader /Partnership’ category, it is an honour and a substantial achievement. I am humbled and very grateful for the and look forward to the evening and the future growth of my business. Thank you to everyone who helped me on this journey.” – Fran Larsen, E-Volve U. Photo – Michael Jeans.

AgBiz Accountants (finalist, Eda Pearson Employee of the Year)

“Eda has been quite fundamental in keeping clients comfortable in the transition from Pavillion Accounting (Jerry Bevan) to AgBiz Accountants after Jerry retired this year, having shared an office with us. She’s been really great in looking after clients and transitioning from paper-based to cloud-based systems. It’s been a huge change for her and she’s just been great, and clients love her.” – Jane Evans (director, left), nominator of Eda Pearson (middle). Right: Tim Doyle (director). Photo – Michael Jeans.

Ravenswood Manor (finalist in Best Customer Service)

“Hugh and I were really thrilled, we’re especially grateful to Peter Carr and the other judges who find themselves out on cold wintry nights to support their role with these prestigious awards. We love the fact we are able to host national and international guests… It’s pretty cool to achieve that kind of support.” – Caro, Ravenswood Manor. Photo – Michael Jeans.

For more information on the awards visit www.waipabusinessawards.co.nz.

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