The Ashburton District Council has had its first entry in the Business of the Year awards, a new event that recognises our business community.

The entry is in the People’s Choice award, which will be decided by text vote. Each retail business in the award category will be provided with a unique voting code allowing people to free text the code to 4196 to support their favourite retailer.

The award is for all those in the retail sector, including franchisees, online, big, small and traditional operators, and ranging from garden centres, motor vehicle dealerships to bakeries and computer suppliers.

Council’s Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said the voting period for the People’s Choice award will be between 1 August and 30 November, so it was good to see retailers beginning to enter.

"Mid Canterbury is home to many great businesses and these awards are an opportunity to showcase their stories to a wider audience.

"It's also a chance for those in business to reflect on their core strengths and review achievements and milestones," he added.

Other award categories recognise excellence in primary industries, export, tourism, manufacturing, not-for-profit and technology and innovation. There is also a Future Business Leader award and an Overall Supreme Business Excellence award.

Entries in all but the People’s Choice retail category must be received by 5 pm on 30 November.

Category finalists will be announced in December and all winners will be revealed at a gala evening on 18 February 2022.

A special judging panel and awards coordinator will assess the entries. Selected entrants will progress to stage two of the judging phase.

There is no cost to enter the Ashburton District Business of the Year Awards. Any business within the district is eligible, provided they have been operating for 12 months or more as of March 31 of this year.

Visit the Business of the Year Awards website for more details or to enter...