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It’s fair to say the humble orange traffic cone has had a difficult year, as politicians and the public alike have lined up for a crack at its use throughout the country.
During an acceptance speech at Friday night’s Southland Business Excellence Awards Traffic Management Services Ltd owner Kerrian Simpson, in jest, was happy to poke some fun at himself.
“I’m the guy that puts the cones out that pisses you off,” Simpson said, introducing himself to the audience of over 400, prompting laughter.
But humour aside, the success story of Traffic Management Services Ltd is one worth celebrating.
Under Kerrian and Lara Simpson’s leadership, the business has expanded from four staff to 30 in four years.
On Friday night, Traffic Management Services won the Supreme Award at the 2025 Southland Business Excellence Awards.
The judges stated: “TMS stood out as the overall winner for the way it lives excellence end-to-end—clear leadership, robust systems, and a genuine people-first culture.
“TMS has expanded from four to nearly 30 staff in just four years—without compromising on safety—and has maintained a flawless record of zero notifiable incidents over that period.”
Earlier in the night, Traffic Management Services had won the Rio Tinto NZAS | Workplace Safety Award.
The Southland Business Excellence Awards, held at the Ascot Park Hotel, are organised by the Southland Business Chamber.
CEO Sheree Carey said the event continued to grow in interest with a record number of entries this year.
“It is definitely growing, and the tickets all sold out to finalists before we even got a chance to go to public sales… That’s the first time that has ever happened.”
Carey noted there was a wide range of business folk who attended this year from a variety of different trades and services.
The winners were also diverse, including hairdressing business The Florence Society, which claimed the New & Emerging Award.
Another of the diverse winners on the night was the Insert Coin to Play Charitable Trust, which was awarded the Not for Profit Award.
The 'Insert Coin to Play Charitable Trust' aims to enhance access to technology and social opportunities for Tamariki and Rangatahi in Aotearoa. The primary goal is to reduce social isolation and youth suicide by providing modern, technology-based social opportunities.
WM Environmental claimed two awards on the night, picking up the Primary Industry Excellence Award and the Small Business of the Year Award.
The judges stated: “WM Environmental impressed us with a courageous reset and disciplined execution—turning a clear strategy into weekly rhythms, commercial rigour, and measurable results. Their end-to-end primary-sector support demonstrate genuine innovation with real impact, underpinned by a people-first wellbeing culture and strong growth potential.”
SOUTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Findex | Primary Industry Excellence Award — WM Environmental
Breen | Trade Industries Award — Road Runner Panel and Paint
Elm Marketing | Consumer Services Award — Hayz at The Anchorage
2degrees | Professional Services Award — The Headache Clinic
ILT | Not for Profit Award — Insert Coin to Play Charitable Trust
Blue River Dairy | Workplace Wellbeing Award — Finance Now Ltd
Fi Innovations | Innovation Award — The Headache Clinic
PowerNet | New & Emerging Award — The Florence Society
Rio Tinto NZAS | Workplace Safety Award — Traffic Management Services
Meridian Energy | One to Watch Award — Grant Lightfoot, Kiwi Econet
Healthy Families | Local Food Champion Award — Haylee-Chanel Simeon
Air New Zealand Cargo | Individual Excellence in Export Award — Calvin
Claridge, South Fish
Reece McDonald Local Legend Award — Haylee-Chanel Simeon
Invercargill City Council | Small Business of the Year Award — WM Environmental
Datagrid NZ | Supreme Award — Traffic Management Services