The region’s annual event showcasing local business excellence, has been cancelled for the second year running, as a result of COVID-19 disruptions.

As entries were about to be invited for this year’s awards, the country entered lockdown. With a closing date for entries of 29 September, technically the awards could still go ahead, however President and Acting Chamber CEO, Mark Skelly says now is not the time. “The awards are about celebrating business and we have to respect that. We know that there are some amazing local businesses who will successfully pivot their business and navigate through the challenges of COVID-19, emerging stronger than ever. We’re also aware however of the many businesses that are struggling due to the challenges of this year’s lockdown. On that basis and due to the current circumstances affecting everyone, we have decided now is not the right time for celebrations.”

“Overall it’s been an extremely disruptive and challenging 18 months. The business community has other priorities right now. With the changing alert levels and uncertainty that comes with that, we will continue to focus on the needs of business at this time and the best way to support all business in our region as this current situation plays out,” says Mark Skelly.

This year would have marked the 14^th Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards in a longstanding tradition of celebrating the region’s vibrant and successful business community. All going well, the Hutt Valley Chamber plans to have the awards back on track for 2022, bigger and better than ever.