Editorial: Awards are good business

OPINION: Les Roa's story is one that makes a ripping read. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks who made good. He runs a multimillion-dollar business in Hamilton, Longveld Engineering. It has just been named Waikato business of the year and he was named chief executive of the year.

On Monday, the Waikato Times' monthly business publication, The Biz, profiles Mr Roa. Business editor Nicola Boyes' story is a tale of adversity to triumph. It has it all; a home life as a child that verged on the destructive; how he got to grips with massive learning problems (dyslexia); and how he took a small firm to one that now has 60 staff and runs innovative and inspirational programmes for its workers.

Outside those in the engineering field and suppliers who have regular contact with Longveld, this was a business that has sailed under the radar.

It is events like the Waikato Business Awards that allow us to shine a light on silent achievers and we have much to be thankful for the Chamber of Commerce's drive to make this night the most prestigious on the Hamilton business calendar. The recent Kudos awards, which celebrates achievements in the scientific field, is another event that gives a rare insight into success. Like scientists, successful businessmen and women are submerged in their operation. They generally don't seek publicity and some don't even want it (though, like anywhere, the region has its shameless self-promoters).

That the awards are robust and difficult to attain was proven last Friday. Two categories – business growth and retail excellence – did not have winners, the judges instead electing to name a couple of highly commendeds because they didn't feel the entrants ticked all the boxes.

It is heartening to hear strict standards are being maintained, though another reason for the non awards is possibly the number of nominations this year, just 19 overall. Of course, we are coming out of a recession and company bottom lines have taken a hit and that is likely to account for the low numbers.

Another issue for potential candidates, no doubt, is time. The judging process is in-depth, the preparation can take days. Top business performers in the large crowd on the night even said the time involved, and their lack of need for recognition, made them reluctant to enter.

What those people should realise is the good this process can have on any organisation. Winners over the years have consistently said the judging process has opened their eyes and the experts who go into their businesses, headed by Waikato University's much-vaunted Management School, give them new ideas and impetus.

Top-performing companies generally have staff who go on the journey with their bosses. That's another reason to get involved – inspirational leaders want to celebrate success and wins at the Waikato Business Awards are great recognition for those on the shop floor (and an excuse to party). Ask Les Roa the benefits of putting your name forward. The well-deserved publicity he has gained will do him, and Longveld, nothing but good.

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