NZTE general manager David Downs discusses the 2016 New Zealand International Business Awards
Data automation software provider WhereScape Software has been named the Supreme Award winner of 2016's International Business Awards at a black tie event held in Auckland last night.
The US and Auckland-based tech firm impressed judges with its ability to turn big data into big business. The firm also won the Best Medium Business award.
Supreme Award judge David Downs said WhereScape had made outstanding progress over the past year.
"Their clever transition from a product company to a global sales organisation has allowed them to exploit the global opportunity for data analytics, right at the time when expertise in big data is most sought after," Downs said.
WhereScape Software develops software for organisations to manage and analyse big sets of data.
NZTE chief executive Peter Chrisp said the firm was leading international business from New Zealand by example.
"WhereScape exemplifies all of the attributes it takes for a Kiwi business to succeed internationally, and is agile and quick to evolve and meet its customers' needs in the global data automation software market," he said.
A total of nine other companies scooped up accolades including Ngai Tahu Tourism for Maori excellence in export, Xero for excellence in leadership, Gallagher for excellence in design, GMP Pharmaceuticals Group for excellence in operations and supply, New Zealand Mint for excellence in marketing and Straker Translations for excellence in innovation.
Haka Tourism Group and Timely won for best emerging business, Gallagher for best large business and WhereScape Software for best medium business.
Chrisp said this year's winners and finalists were using Kiwi ingenuity and tenacity to build global business from New Zealand - demonstrating resilience and innovation.
WhereScape exemplifies all of the attributes it takes for a Kiwi business to succeed internationally.
"We're seeing an exciting shift in the mind set of digital businesses, as they go global from day one. These companies have started out with an ambition to build a global business from New Zealand, rather than building in New Zealand first then evolving," Chrisp said. "It can be a winning strategy, as these companies chase rapid customer growth in niche high value markets."
The New Zealand International Business Awards are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and celebrate the success of Kiwi businesses on the world stage. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards.
They are partnered with ANZ and sponsored by KPMG, MFAT, Callaghan Innovation, Special Group, Kotahi, MBIE, Te Puni Kōkiri and Treasury.
The 2016 NZIBA winners:
SUPREME AWARD WINNER • WhereScape Software (Auckland)
GENERAL CATEGORY FINALISTS Best Emerging Business • Haka Tourism Group (Auckland) • Timely (Dunedin)
Best Medium Business • WhereScape Software (Auckland)
SPECIAL CATEGORY FINALISTS Excellence in Innovation, supported by Callahan Innovation • Straker Translations (Auckland)
Excellence in Marketing, supported by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade • New Zealand Mint (Auckland)
Excellence in Operations and Supply Chain, supported by Kotahi • GMP Pharmaceuticals Group (Auckland)
Excellence in Design, supported by Special Group • Gallagher (Waikato)
He kai kei aku ringa for Māori Excellence in Export, supported by The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Te Puni Kōkiri, The Treasury • Ngai Tāhu Tourism (Christchurch)
Excellence in Leadership, supported by KPMG • Xero (Wellington)
