Ten Franklin/Papakura region businesses were recognised as outstanding in their category at the recent  2009 Stevenson Business Excellence Awards.

OHUG team (L-R): Michelle Rigby, Nan Russell, Steve Rigby, Tony Burtton, Tony Diment and Category Sponsor, Franklin Food's, Paul Brown.

After two years of preparation the awards were announced at a gala event on October 17 with Franklin businesses taking four awards and Papakura five.  

The Awards, promoted and run by the Enterprise Franklin Development Trust and the Papakura District Council, are judged by an independent panel of ten judges and are assessed against set business criteria such as business planning, marketing strategy, funding, leadership, management and processes,  and growth and  profitability.

At the glittering black tie event, OHUG Power Equipment Ltd won the Best Emerging Business Award, while the coveted Supreme Award went to WeTiT, a manufacturer of equipment for the dairy industry, based in Onewhero.

“OHUG has enjoyed phenomenal growth during the last few years. That’s pretty amazing considering the state of the economy. I guess looking back, we were brave to back ourselves with a start-up business in a recession.

“But we felt our offer was strong and it would appeal to the market. In the end, our success has come about through offering world class products, customer service second to none and the fact that our key suppliers and above all our clients, have encouraged and supported us”, OHUG Managing Director, Steve Rigby said.

• Stevenson Supreme Excellence Award: ElectroEase T/A WETiT Teat Sprayers

• Judges Inspiration Award: Daniel Fulton of Fulton Swim School

• Papakura Courier Customer Choice Award: Chiropractic & Sport Takanini          

• ACC Excellence in Workplace Safety: Safer Papakura Trust

• Opus International Consultants Excellence in Innovation: Electroease T/A WETiT Teat Sprayers

• HEB Construction Excellence in Service Delivery:  Autobahn Café  

• New Zealand Steel Excellence in Manufacturing: S.A.F.E. Engineering  

• Franklin Foods Best Emerging Business:  OHUG Power Equipment         

• KiwiPrint Best Small Business: Wee Wisdom Montessori School (Drury)

• Rainbow’s End & McLaren Brown Publishing Excellence in Tourism – Judges Commendation: Castaways, Spookers