We're winners

Leading online publisher Good Returns has been recognised for its innovation.

Tuesday, October 2nd 2001, 6:29AM

Tarawera Publishing Ltd (TPL), the company behind Good Returns, on Friday night won the Best Business Innovation Award in the annual Rotorua Business Awards.

The judges described TPL as being "a significant national business" which had embraced innovation.

"From the name (www.goodreturns.co.nz) to the use of cutting edge technology, and an innovative staffing structure, they have shown an ability to successfully apply lateral thought to simple business principles."

Editor Philip Macalister says winning the award was recognition that Good Returns is the leading provider of personal finance information on the Net in New Zealand.

The business, which is one of this country's original Internet-based publishing businesses, has grown significantly since it was launched in 1997.

It has continued to grow and prosper in the past 18 months while many dot.com businesses in New Zealand and around the world have failed.

Two of the keys to success have been the readership growth that has averaged 247% each year over the past five years, and the people working in the business.

Good Returns employs highly regarded business journalists so it can deliver the best personal finance news to its readers.

Macalister says while there is all this talk about how companies need to be part of the Knowledge Wave, Good Returns has been surfing it for years now.

"What surprises many people is that a business like this is run out of a provincial centre like Rotorua.

"With modern technology businesses like this don't need to be located in the main centres," he says.

Businesses entered in the annual awards had to show: