Past winners reflect on Business Awards
Published on 01 August 2024
As entries and nominations for the 2024 Richardsons Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards are open until 16 August - for just a couple more weeks - past winners have been reflecting on what the awards have meant for their business.
Since winning the Supreme Award and the Manufacturing and Trade category in 2021, Coromandel Distilling Company has gone from strength to strength. Owners and creators Paul Schneider and Daniela Suess are grateful for their local awards experience.
“When we won the supreme business award it meant the world to us – it meant we were seen and celebrated by the community. That feeling has continued throughout our business since.”
Their small distillery based in Thames has gone on to win several awards on the international stage for their Awildian Gin range. In 2022 their Coromandel Dry Gin won ‘World’s Best Classic Gin’ at the World Gin Awards, and most recently they set the global record for the most Country Winner Gold medals at the World Gin Awards 2024.
Schneider believes it’s critical for any business to be a valued part of their local community. He sees their wins of local and global awards as both equally important to the continued success of their business. “Don’t put off entering the awards, or see it just as a local award. I think it’s a game changer, and would encourage anyone to really embrace the opportunity to enter.”
People's choice award
Professional Services winners and runners-up of the People’s Choice award for 2021 Lisa and Kevin Boyles from Woof Woof Ranch echo this sentiment. “For us winning the award in 2021 was really a proud moment. Our business is our way of life, not just a business, and a huge commitment which we are passionate about.”
When speaking to Lisa and Kevin their passion for providing the best home away from home for small dog breeds is evident. Based in Miranda their boutique, luxury dog boarding hotel, daycare, and spa exclusively welcomes small numbers of smaller dog breeds.
They said a particular highlight of their awards experience was having the public nominate them for the People’s Choice award, a category that is open again for the 2024 awards. “To have been nominated by customers who really appreciated our services. That they’d taken time to nominate us was so lovely. But then winning was an acknowledgment that our vision, to provide a different concept and excellence in dog boarding had been recognised.”
Gastronomics director and owner Kishan Raikwar agreed that entering and winning was a very exciting experience. He said their win of the Hospitality Award in 2021, propelled them to continue to strive for business excellence. “After winning the award, we had a few busy weeks at work. It’s like having a greater responsibility to make sure every single customer is satisfied and will come back.”
Cathedral Cove Kayaks have also been reflecting on their win of the Tourism category in the 2021 Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards. Owner operator Mike Grogan said: “I know that all of us in the tourism sector work tirelessly to deliver world class products, services and experiences. We all strive to find new and innovative ways to improve our businesses and raise the bar for real value on the Coromandel. For us to receive the tourism award was hugely encouraging. It gave us renewed confidence that we are heading in the right direction and that we’re doing things right.”
Like many award entrants and sponsors their participation in the awards got their business noticed. Grogan said not only have their sea kayaking trips to Cathedral Cove had a lot of exposure since the awards, but entering the awards meant they took the time to really reflect on and celebrate their accomplishments. “If nothing else it is a valuable process to look inwardly at your business. My advice is to get your entry in…you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Be in to win
It sounds like the competition will be hot this year with many past entrants set to the enter into the awards, but there is still room for more competition to get the best of the best and celebrate our vibrant business community.
The Richardsons Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards are delivered biennially by Hauraki and Thames Coromandel District Councils and supported by members of the business community. The 2024 awards are kindly supported by principal sponsors Richardsons Real Estate and MoreFM; gold sponsors Harkness Henry, the Seagull Centre and Craigs Investment Partners; and bronze sponsors Rolleston Motel and Gastronomics.
You can out more about the awards, including how to enter and nominate here.
Entries and nominations close midnight Friday 16 August.
This year’s celebrations of all the entrants and winners are set for Wednesday 23 October.