The Awards Entry process is time consuming, is it worth it?
Yes. Past winners agree the entry is well worth the effort. It enforces investing in quality principles and performance excellence pays off in increased productivity, satisfied employees and customers, and improved profitability- both for customers and investors.

Is it tougher for small organisations to receive an award?
The small business recipients have proven that any organisation can improve by completing the entry criteria’s performance excellence framework. Given the importance of smaller businesses to the New Zealand economy, the process of entering the Wanganui Security & Electrical Business Awards can actually strengthen these local businesses and benefits gained are cited in their testimonials

Can only Wanganui businesses enter these awards?
Unless you are entering the Leisure & Tourism Award, which area extends to Rangitikei and Ruapehu, only businesses with their premises located within the Wanganui District Council boundary are eligible to enter these awards. In the case of franchisees, licensees, branches or subsidiaries it is essential that you present the local response to the questions. Significant benefits are available to businesses in each of these forms, therefore entrants must describe with a local flavour, the motivation for adopting that particular form, identify the benefits associated with it, and provide explicit commentary as to the nature of the local (Wanganui) response.

Do the award criteria take into account an organisation’s financial performance?
Yes. The criteria includes many factors that contribute to financial performance, including business decisions and strategies that lead to better market performance, gains in market share, and customer retention and satisfaction. Organisations are urged to use financial information, including profit trends, in analyzing and reporting on improved overall performance and to look for the connection between the two. As the conditions of entry state, all entry information will be treated in the strictest confidence by the judges.

May an organisation hire a consultant to help prepare answers for the Wanganui Security & Electrical Business Awards entry application?
Applicants are asked to supply facts and data to substantiate their claims concerning their management practices. You may provide the facts to a hired consultant to assist you to complete your award entry application. An organisation must show through facts and data that it has an excellent management system in place and that it is continually looking for ways to improve.