Northland Inc's The Orchard business hub wins praise at MBIE awards

Kayla Tatley (left) and Amy Barclay from The Orchard with the Award. Photo / Supplied

Northland Inc has won a commendation in the inaugural Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Awards for its ground breaking and best practice initiative - The Orchard Business and Events Hub.

The initiative won the attention of the Awards panel because of its innovative delivery strategy.

In creating the Orchard, the initiative has brought together the region's business support services under one roof whilst the event space has delivered a heart beat and a pulse for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, with over 3000 locals attending events in the space over a period of just three months, the panel said.

Acting chief executive Vaughan Cooper said the award was recognition Northland Inc had created an effective business hub which was delivering real value to Northland's business community, and it was gratifying to receive this national level recognition.

"Being awarded this commendation by our peers around the country who work in the regional economic development field is something special," he said.

"Joseph Stuart and the Business Innovation and Growth team here at Northland Inc have worked very hard to set-up and get the Orchard collaborative workspace humming at full pace. They have achieved something significant.

"The businesses who work out of the Orchard are also a big part of the success of this programme of work, and also deserve recognition for their willingness to try something new by operating out of the Orchard".

Northland Inc was presented with its Commendation at a Gala Awards Dinner in Wellington, sponsored by the MBIE and hosted by Economic Development New Zealand.