Traffic NZ Ltd wins Best in Class for Refresh website at global Interactive Media Awards

Traffic NZ Ltd, an award winning strategy, marketing and implementation firm based in Auckland, New Zealand, has today announced that it has been awarded Best in Class by the Interactive Media Awards for its work on the Refresh Renovations Website. Refresh Renovations is a young residential renovation franchise business established in New Zealand just three years ago.

As one of the highest honours bestowed by the IMA, this award recognises the Refresh website as the best internationally when it comes to planning, execution and overall website professionalism, specifically in the building and construction category.

In order to win an award at this level the Refresh website designed and built by Traffic had to meet strict guidelines and stand out from the many other entries from all over the world across the areas of design, usability, innovation in technical features, standards compliance and content. Winners of other categories at the 2013 IMA ceremony include global brands such as McDonalds, Puma, Disney, Heinz, Kia and GoPro.

Says Gareth Poley, digital and media creative director of Traffic NZ Ltd: “It’s an honour to have our work recognised by the Interactive Media Awards. We feel strongly that our projects are world-class examples of how the Internet can be used to enhance a company’s message and branding. This accolade is further proof of this fact.”

The Best in Class international award comes at an ideal time for Refresh, as the business plans to expand its highly successful renovation franchise overseas.

Jon Bridge, a director of Refresh, says the franchise has just scratched the surface in terms of what it aims to achieve in New Zealand, and they are confident they have the right business model to succeed overseas as well.

Says Bridge: “Globally the renovation market is huge and highly fragmented.  Consumers in most countries face the same issues as they do in New Zealand with finding quality, reliable tradespeople, and completing cost effective renovations on time and on budget.

“Refresh’s offer and business model is unique in the world, and Refresh have developed an approach which radically improves the customer experience and the value we can deliver.  Our business was designed from the outset to be massively scaleable.”

Since its conception in Auckland three years ago Refresh has rapidly expanded to 30 franchises nationwide and is already highly profitable, with annual revenues heading toward $20 million.  

Says Bridge: “We are finalising plans and investment documentation for entry into the Australian market, and we intend to enter the U.S. soon after.  It’s an exciting time and we are confident we have the business strategy and business model that will make Refresh an international success story.”