Celebrating the best in business

Queenstown Business Awards 2023 are now open for entries.

The biennial celebration, run by the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, is open to all businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District.

There are nine categories, including three new awards, along with the Supreme Award and the People's Choice Award.

Chamber chief executive Sharon Fifield says submitting an entry is a great opportunity for businesses to recognise their achievements and give themselves and their teams a pat on the back.

"Take the time to focus in on your successes and celebrate all you’ve done. Consider it business planning," she says.

"The last awards were held in the middle of a pandemic, so the challenges that business have overcome since then is worth celebrating.

"Entering and attending the awards is also a great way to build pride in your team."

Entries opened on Thursday and close 25 September, with finalists being announced on October 19.

Businesses don't need to be a member of the Queenstown Business Chamber to enter.

"We are absolutely encouraging entries from any business including new businesses, charities and non-profits who have been working so hard these past few years," Fifield says.

"We have made it as easy as possible to enter with only 3-4 questions per category. Businesses can enter up to three categories so if you’re scratching your head as to which category you should enter, you should already be proud of that."

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner onboard the TSS Earnslaw and at Walter Peak High Country Farm on November 4 for which Fifield promises the Chamber team has a few "tricks up their sleeve, to make it a memorable celebration".

There'll even be dancing this time around and no requirement to wear masks, unlike at the last awards dinner held in the middle of the pandemic.

For businesses that are entering for the first time, free ‘How to Enter’ workshops hosted by Southern PR will be running throughout August and available to book via the Queenstown Business website.

New categories include Excellence in Community Contribution, recognising a business, charity or non-profit that has implemented initiatives that have had a positive impact on the community.

Best Emerging business will recognise an organisation that has achieved outstanding business performance and has been in operation for three years or less.

And Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, highlighting businesses that have successfully developed and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives fostering wellbeing and belonging for employees.

Popular categories returning include: Excellence in Sustainable and Regenerative Business Practice, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Marketing, Excellence in People & Capability, Excellence in Strategy and Business Solutions, and Excellence in Customer Experience.

All entry information can be found on the awards website at www.businessawards.queenstownchamber.org.nz.