Tait Electronics has taken out the Supreme Canterbury Business Award at the inaugural Champion Canterbury Awards, which recognise Canterbury business success.

Prime Minister Helen Clark presented Tait Group Marketing Manager Brett Smythe with the overall award, at a black tie dinner held at the Christchurch Convention Centre on 2 October.Earlier, the company was named winner of the Global Operator Category.

The awards, set up by the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce, attracted some 300 nominations resulting in 130 entries.This culminated in a strong line-up of finalists in 10 categories, representing an outstanding cross-section of successful Canterbury businesses.

The awards highlight, acknowledge and champion the contribution business makes to the Canterbury region.

Tait Electronics took top honours at the awards ahead of such prestigious contenders as the Christchurch Engine Centre, Pulse Data International Ltd, Payglobal Ltd and the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

In accepting the awards for Tait, Mr Smythe said they were a tribute to Sir Angus Tait's selfless business philosophies.

"He is a visionary with a very firm idea of what is right for the company... the awards are a great recognition for the company and all of our staff."