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Best Managed Companies

Recognising excellence in New Zealand private business

 

Celebrating the best of the best

Our Best Managed Companies programme recognises outstanding private New Zealand businesses and the exceptional performance that drives them to be the best.

Backed by a 30-year history and a proven framework, Best Managed Companies has recognised excellence and connected around 1,300 of the best private companies in 45+ countries across the globe to date.

Entries for 2024 are open now.

Apply here

Our Four Pillars

These four categories have been identified as the global common practices of successful business leadership.

Best Managed Companies is a programme for privately-owned enterprises, co-operatives, Māori businesses or family businesses that have developed a strong, recognised brand, can demonstrate a proactive approach towards achieving further growth, and have developed strong governance frameworks.

Ideally companies will meet the following criteria:

  • Headquartered in New Zealand
  • Privately-owned
  • In operation for more than three years (with financial documentation)
  • Can demonstrate revenue greater than NZD$50 million in the most recent year of business

You can see our full terms and conditions here. If you’re unsure whether your company is eligible, or if you have any questions about the programme, please send us an email.

There are two stages involved in the Best Managed Companies programme.

Stage one


Eligible companies will fill out an application, giving a high-level view of their business.

Stage two


The executive teams of those companies who progress to the next phase will take part in a 3-hour Best Managed Companies lab, facilitated by our trained coaches.

During the lab we will take a deep dive into your business, delving into the “Four Pillars of Strategy; Capability & Innovation; Culture & Commitment; and Governance & Financials, and providing important insights along the way.

The Best Managed lab will draw out the key information needed for you to complete a second, more detailed application form, which will be submitted to an independent judging panel for review.

The “Best Managed” designation is a globally recognised stamp of quality, awarded to only the best private businesses around the world.

Some of the benefits of being the “best” are:

  • Increased visibility amongst competitors, investors, and prospective talent.
  • Be part of a global community of 1300, with opportunities for local, regional, and global connectivity, with industry specific connections where relevant.
  • Access to networking and professional development opportunities via exclusive events and webinars.

In addition, the key benefits of taking part in the interactive Best Managed lab itself are:

  • An opportunity to reflect on and receive third party challenge to key management practices and processes, in the context of globally recognised best practice. Coaching from trained Deloitte experts, including customised feedback and actionable insights to help you continuously improve.
     
How can my company apply for the programme?

If you think your business could be a Best Managed Company, please contact nzbestmanaged@deloitte.co.nz to express your interest.
 

How much does it cost to apply to the Best Managed Companies programme

Nothing – it’s completely free to enter. We just need your time to work through the application process.
 

How does the coaching process work?

The coaching is part of the application process. Our coaches will work with the executive teams of programme entrants through a Best Managed lab, working carefully to fully understand your business and provide you with useful insight.
 

How will Deloitte look after my data and confidential information?

We have set out our full privacy policy here, in keeping with national guidelines around data protection and confidentiality. We take your data rights seriously.

How much time will be required from my company’s leadership team?

The Best Managed Lab will run for up to 3 hours – the lab works best when the entire leadership team is there or at least a cross section who can speak to the different business functions. A representative from the company will also need to spend 1.5 – 2 hours completing the required application.

Is any travel involved?

Our coaches will come to you for the Best Managed labs, but if you progress to our final stage, you’ll be invited to our celebration event, which for some may involve some travel.

 

Do you have what it takes to be the best?

Last year we recognised four outstanding privately-owned businesses as New Zealand’s newest Best Managed Companies!