DC Power wins big at business awards

A Palmerston North battery company has taken out the supreme award at the biennial Westpac Manawatu Business awards.

Dcpower won the supreme award and two other prizes at the event, held at the Awapuni Racecourse on Friday night.

The company, which sells automotive, solar and industrial batteries, also won the Professional Services and Retail, and Small Business awards.

Westpac Area Commercial Manager Christine Jones said Dcpower was an innovative and leading-edge company.

‘‘They are at the forefront of new technology that will help shape our future world. It is a well-deserved win for this quality company,’’ Jones said.

Another big winner on the night was Dr Richard Garland, the former managing director of New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd, who was the recipient of the Lifetime Service Award, which was given to individuals or business in recognition to their significant contribution to the region.

Manawatu Standard editor Jonathon Howe, who presented the award, said Garland was a worthy and muchrespected recipient.

‘‘He has contributed both in business, through New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd, and the community in general through sports, arts and culture.

‘‘Our community has benefited from his generosity of spirt and time,’’ Howe said.

The Spirit of the Manawatu award, for exceptional focus on community work, was given to Inspire Net Limited.

Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) chief executive Will Samuel said the Inspire Net team, led by James Watts, had quietly contributed to Manawatu communities for almost two decades.

‘‘James and his team are focussed on providing the best service and helping communities and community groups,’’ Samuel said.

CEDA regional business manager Mark Hargreaves said the awards were assessed against seven different criteria including strategy, marketing, quality and systems, and health and safety.

The judges took into consideration how well businesses implemented these elements, Hargreaves said.

The Agriculture and Food award was won by Ebony Coffee NZ Limited, a roastery in Palmerston North, while Arohanui Hospice won the Large Business and the Not for Profit awards.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care for people in the Manawatu, Tararua, Horowhenua and Rangitikei, as well as support for family members.

The Medium Business award went to

Tailorednz, a wealth and risk management company in Palmerston North.

The Construction and Manufacturing award was won by scaffolding company Scaffit, and the Distribution and Logistics award was given to DKSH New Zealand Limited.

Levno Limited won the Education, Research and Technology award.

The awards were hosted by comedian, Jeremy Corbett, at the Silks Lounge.