Top Energy and Northpower Praise Northland Businesses
Published 17 November 2023
Principal sponsors, Top Energy and Northpower are paying tribute to all businesses and judges involved in the 2023 North Chamber Northland Business Excellence Awards.
Chief Executives Russell Shaw and Andrew McLeod respectively, believe the efforts of entrants from throughout Northland were of an extremely high calibre and they are encouraging any businesses thinking about entering next year to do so.
“Obviously our congratulations go to the winners of all the categories, particularly the Supreme and Hall of Fame Awards, but those who did not win deserve equal praise for having a go,” the pair say.
Both locally owned companies are driven to invest in Northland and help support other businesses, which is why they sponsor the North Chamber Northland Business Excellence Awards.
Top Energy’s Russell Shaw says Northland is home to many world class, innovative and successful businesses and the quality of entries has again shown the strength and breadth of local businesses.
“The last few years has seen many external factors impact on our businesses and communities, but we continue to support each other, and that has developed a level of resilience that will help our region continue to thrive,” says Mr Shaw.
That attitude and ability to adapt is reflective of the values that Top Energy and Northpower as Trust-owned businesses must live and operate by every day.”
It is a point backed by Mr McLeod who says it’s rewarding to be involved in an event that celebrates the unique ‘let's make it personal and have some fun’ style of doing business in the north.
“Being involved in the awards gets us close to the culture and attitude of these businesses. The winners of this year’s awards are great examples of businesses turning up strongly to make a difference in our community. It’s nice to take a breath and recognise their successes,” says Mr McLeod.
Highlights of the night were hearing the many stories of Northland businesses showing innovation and working towards sustainability.”
“We are also very lucky to have a judging panel who willingly offer up their knowledge, expertise and time to make the awards a success and help local businesses grow and thrive, so it is important to acknowledge them,” says Mr McLeod.
Both men agree that the value of the awards is being part of a process which requires people to look at their business performance and progress, while looking for opportunities to improve, adjust and innovate.
“The award process is a hugely positive experience for everyone, and we would encourage businesses throughout the Far North, Kaipara and Whangarei to put their hands up and enter in the 2024 North Chamber Northland Business Excellence Awards,” they say.
