Businesses that have succeeded in this year's awards have demonstrated a determination, passion and commitment to best practice that brings customers to their doors, materials in on time, redefines customer service excellence and expands market share. But they also possess something more: an x-factor that makes us sit up and pay attention.
In every case, they are disruptors in their market. Winning organisations are producing and implementing ideas not easily conceived of or replicated by a competitor; they are creating new categories and redefining old ones.
The "internet of things" has brought a significant increase in cloud-based software services, with local examples including EasyForm's intuitive paperless form app, and OutSource IT with its helpdesk, remote monitoring and IT support.
Boutique, bespoke specialisation and innovation for a niche market takes insight and the courage to strike out with a new concept. This is exemplified by recent award winners Naveya & Sloane, pure delish, Picnic Box, and Epicurean Dairy.
Haka Tours offers customised adventure tours for small groups styled as "a day out with friends"; Aquity has cornered market share with specialised products in the highly competitive bottled water industry.
