Bigmouthmedia is one of the European Business Awards newest partners, and sponsor of the bigmouthmedia Marketing Strategy of the Year Award.

Founded in Edinburgh basement in 1997, bigmouthmedia’s exceptional growth illustrates how a small European business can, through a commitment to excellence, hard work and clear vision, become a global industry leader.

Bigmouthmedia is Europe’s largest independent digital marketing agency, operating in 13 offices in 10 countries. Back in 1997, the company identified the need for major brands to achieve traffic and sales via their websites, leading to the development of their first product ‘Search Engine Marketing’. Search is now the most widely-used method to access websites and it is estimated that more than 90% of web sessions begin with a search engine query.

Over the past decade bigmouthmedia has continued to grow its portfolio of products to offer clients a fully integrated approach to their digital marketing. The company now works with over 500 clients globally, offering a range of online marketing services to achieve maximum exposure and ROI, position track and protect brands, products and reputation online, and is unique in its ability to work for clients across multiple languages, websites, countries and product ranges.

Bigmouthmedia’s established reputation in search marketing internationally ideally positions the company to continue helping clients to benefit from the significant growth forecast for search by providing innovative products and services on a global scale.

Facts & Figures about bigmouthmedia…

• Bigmouthmedia is one of the industry’s most experienced digital marketing agencies and has been at the heart of the SEO industry since Google was born.
• Bigmouthmedia is the lead agency of its type in Europe, based on client list, turnover, profit, staff numbers and geographic footprints.
• Bigmouthmedia has over 500 clients globally, including British Airways, Hilton, Tesco, Mexx Europe, Debenhams, Jumeirah, Starbucks, Penguin Publishing and Barclays.
• Bigmouthmedia operates in 24 languages from Flemish to Mandarin, including non-western character sets.
• There are now nearly 200 bigmouths (staff) in Dubai, Edinburgh, Hamburg, London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, New York, Oslo, Paris, Madrid, Stockholm and Trondheim.
• The business has been profitable from launch, and was organically grown and funded.
• From a turnover of just £500k in 2003, our projected turnover for the current financial year is £70 million, with £11million profit.
• Ranked number 5 in the UK Deloitte Technology Fast 50 2008 and number 2 in the Rising Star category of the German Deloitte Technology Fast 50 2008.
• Highest client retention in the industry.
• Highest staff retention in the industry.
• Bigmouthmedia is a Financial Times 50 Best UK Workplaces and a Great Place to Work Institute Best Workplace 2008.

Why bigmouthmedia supports the EBA…

“At bigmouthmedia we love a success story. Having the drive, passion and know-how to succeed in a challenging global economy deserves to be rewarded, which is why we’re proud to support the European Business Awards.

Our digital marketing campaigns enable bigmouthmedia’s clients to become bigger, better and more competitive through the use of innovative, effective online solutions, and in supporting the European Business Awards we’re proud to support and celebrate those companies whose marketing strategy has been a major contributing factor to their own success”.

Steve Leach, founder and CEO of bigmouthmedia

Find out more about bigmouthmedia… www.bigmouthmedia.com

As a leading global player in consulting and IT services Infosys Technologies are delighted to become one of the European Business Awards latest partners and sponsor of a new category, the Infosys ICT Effectiveness Award.

Like many entrepreneurial companies, Infosys was started by a few people with an idea – in 1981 its seven founders put up $250 to start a computer services company in India. Today Infosys has global operations spanning 26 countries with over 500 clients and revenues in excess of $4bn annually.

At the heart of Infosys’ success is the pioneering of the Global Delivery Model which is a great example of ICT effectiveness. The Global Delivery Model is a genuine business innovation that delivers a superior value proposition at higher quality and lower cost by leveraging global capacity, resources and strengths.

With the rapid shifts in markets and increased globalisation, newer business models are emerging. Outsourcing has become a strategic imperative for corporations and to be successful in this competitive environment, businesses need to be lean, efficient and extremely responsive to customers and the market. We have always believed in growth with responsibility and have been a leader in corporate governance and financial reporting

The way organisations procure, develop and deliver products and services to their customers is undergoing a radical transformation. In this transformation, leveraging technology in every part of an enterprise is essential. We are committed to developing solutions that enable our customers to gain a competitive edge and in turn help them to be the preferred choice for their customers. We continue to scale up our research and development activities and providing innovative business and technology solutions.

Infosys appreciates how technology can be used to effectively underpin and help drive business strategy and are looking forward to seeing how business’s across Europe have risen to this challenge in their entries for the ICT Effectiveness Award.

Facts and figures about Infosys

• Infosys has global operations with 48 sales offices, 54 global development centres across 26 countries
• Infosys opened its first office in Europe in 1995 (UK) and now has offices in many of the major countries in Europe, including, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands and the UK
• Infosys revenues for LTM Sep 08 were $4.6 billion and 5 year CAGR was 39%
• Infosys has repeat business from 97% of its customers
• Infosys employs over 100,000 people from 70 different nationalities

Did you know?

• Infosys places strong emphasis on talent management – currently training 4,500 entry level employees at the Mysore Campus simultaneously (to rise to 13,500 by end of 2008)
• On average we receive close to 1 million job applications in a year. Just 2.3% of the applicants get selected
• Infosys has been named the best Indian company in Corporate Governance in The Asset Magazine’s annual Corporate Governance Index 2008
• Among the Top 10 companies for leaders- Fortune Magazine, Hewitt Associates and the RBL Group Survey, 2007
• Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for executing Strategy – Palladium Group, Inc 2008
• Helen Keller Award for Diversity Hiring for Infosys BPO, 2006-07

Why Infosys supports the EBA…

“We like to reward success at Infosys and the strong values that the European Business awards have put at the core of this programme resonate well with us. We have built our corporation on a sound value system that encompasses openness, leading by example, honesty, transparency, fairness and excellence in execution.

As a previous Ruban d’Honneur winner, Growth Strategy of the Year Award 2008, we understand how competitive and rewarding entering this programme can be, It’s a great forum to really showcase your company and be rewarded for the strategies that have been implemented.

In these tough competitive times Infosys places a huge focus on ensuring the benefits achieved are measurable and have an impact on the business. In partnering with the European Business Awards we look forward to celebrating those companies whose ICT effectiveness strategy has made a positive impact to their organisation.”

B.G. Srinivas Senior Vice President and Member of Executive Council

Find out more about Infosys visit www.infosys.com

The European Business Awards has enjoyed a successful partnership with RSM International since the outset of the programme.

RSM International comprises a worldwide network of professional services firms providing tax, audit, consulting, and specialist advisory services to ambitious growing organisations around the globe.

The group prides itself on the unusually close and enduring relationships it forges with its clients. Clients who choose RSM International are those who look for a combination of real value, true team work, imaginative practical solutions, and excellent service.

“As one of the world’s largest auditing and consulting networks, we are committed to quality and excellence in business. This is reflected by our support of the European Business Awards for the third consecutive year and our sponsorship of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. We wholeheartedly encourage successful and active European businesses to participate in these awards in order for their achievements and contributions to be appropriately recognised through these awards by businesses and business leaders throughout Europe.”
Jean Stephens, CEO, RSM International

Facts & Figures about RSM International…

• RSM International is the seventh largest network of accounting and consulting firms in the world
• 66 member and correspondent firms in 64 countries
• 662 offices worldwide
• Over 25,000 staff including 2500 partners
• Combined fee income of US$3.06 billion

Q&A with Jean Stephens, CEO, RSM Internationl

Why does RSM International sponsor the European Business Awards?
As one of the world’s largest accounting and consulting networks, we are committed to quality and excellence in business - values which are reflected by the European Business Awards. Europe is an important region in the global economy and we continue to grow and strengthen our network to meet the needs of our clients with business interests there. In the past year alone we have appointed new member firms in Italy, Spain, Ukraine and Germany, and formed a development group in Central and Eastern Europe, indicating our commitment to European business.

What is your opinion of the European Business Awards?
We take sponsorship commitments very seriously, and this is the third consecutive year we have sponsored the EBA. We believe in the importance of recognising and commending international business endeavour. The European Business Awards is a prestigious body rewarding high quality companies of all sizes, from all sectors, across Europe.

How important is recognizing and rewarding European business success?
Very important. Quality and success need to be encouraged and rewarded, especially if we are to sustain a vibrant and robust European economy.

What do you see as the key challenges confronting European businesses at the moment?
Although a strong CEO can and should plan for economic cycles, three years ago I doubt any European CEO would have planned for a global economic slowdown triggered by crises in the international credit markets, matched with high inflation due to a surge in the price of oil and food. The biggest challenge for European businesses is to maintain their strategic direction in the face of uncertainty. Market changes might mean challenges have changed and businesses need to realign their priorities and short-term direction.

What do you think will be the future concerns of businesses in Europe?
Emerging economies could be seen as posing a competitive threat to European business, but it is important to recognise that economies like those in the BRIC region can offer growth opportunities to European companies. Of course, business risks can be high there and there is no common approach – businesses must carefully assess the political, cultural and economic features of those countries.

What drives you as head of a multinational organisation?
Success of the global network is the ultimate driving force, and we have been growing and strengthening consistently for some time. Whilst I can help strengthen the network from the centre, RSMi’s people are its most important asset, and the hard work, determination and quality of the member firms ensure our continued success.

What advice would you give to an Award entrant?
Work hard, focus on quality and be the best you can be in your field. A successful award entrant will need to have mastered these skills and be able to clearly show how these will benefit and advance the business community.

Do European businesses set the benchmark for emerging regions?
Europe’s economy has thrived for many years, so in that respect, of course there has been a benchmark set for emerging regions. But these regions operate differently – different cultures, different political systems, different business challenges. Yes, emerging economies will learn from Europe’s precedent, but likewise European companies will need to adjust and learn from them if they are to pursue global growth opportunities.

To find out more about RSM International visit www.rsmi.com

Atradius partners with the European Business Awards to sponsor the Growth Strategy of the Year Award. Founded in the Netherlands, in 1925, Atradius exemplifies how a European company with modest origins can grow into a formidable global organisation, at the top of its field. Atradius now stands as one of the largest global credit insurance organisations in the world, providing credit insurance and credit management products and services to help businesses across Europe and the globe better manage their risk exposure and enable trade without barriers.

Facts & Figures about Atradius…

• Atradius is the world’s most international and integrated credit insurance company with more than 80 years of experience in the industry
• Atradius is present in more than 160 offices in 40 countries and has a team of 4,000 people across the globe
• Its product offering is truly global; with a worldwide market share of 31%
• It has annual revenues of €1.8 billion
• Atradius provides its customers with access to information on 52 million companies worldwide
• More than 22,000 credit decisions are made by Atradius on a daily basis

At Atradius we love…

…helping businesses grow - whatever they do, whatever their size, wherever they are. We support innovative, forward-looking entrepreneurs and their successful businesses to do more business with more companies in more countries, helping them to build their future profits.

Our legacy, financial standing and geographical reach means we are confident that we have tailored solutions to ensure our customers grow both domestically and internationally. Managing risk and enabling trade are at the heart of Atradius’ business.

We see our credit management as more than just insurance - our solutions help entrepreneurs feel free to take risks, so businessmen and women of action can have peace of mind to concentrate on doing what they do best… doing business.

Our competitors focus on facilitating business, at Atradius we focus on the successful growth of our customers’ business.

An Interview with Mr Isidoro Unda, CEO of Atradius…

Question: Atradius is sponsoring the European Business Awards for the second year. Why?
Answer: Aligning ourselves with the European Business Awards makes perfect business sense. The Awards revolve around business success, entrepreneurialism, innovation and strong ethics – all concepts that Atradius strives to uphold and promote. <

Question: In the 2009 edition Atradius will sponsor the “Growth Strategy of the Year Award”. What is the reason?
Answers: Atradius’ philosophy is to deliver safe freedom. Freedom for customers to focus on their growth ambitions and freedom to focus on the opportunities generated through meeting other business partners, all within the context of the safety that Atradius gives them – mitigating risk through our experience, our rating and the delivery of our products. At Atradius, our customers’ business growth is of paramount importance. <

Question: With more than 80 years of managing credit risk, is there one piece of over-riding advice you offer companies in risk avoidance?
Answer: In today’s international business environment, information is vital to any business relationship. Knowledge of the business customs in a specific market, of a customer’s ability to pay and of the political and legal environment in which a customer operates helps a company make sound business and credit decisions. Information alone, however, is not enough. A seller of products or services also needs to be able to maintain effective credit management practices, to follow-up with and pursue payment from customers who fail to meet their payment obligations. <

Question: In the current business climate (Autumn 2008), do you think European business is well positioned to weather any market downturn?
Answer: In June Atradius published a survey showing that most European businesses fear that the worst impact of the credit crisis is yet to come. A vast majority of the respondents in Europe expressed concerns that a tightening in their availability to financing, an increase in the cost of capital, and an increase in payment defaults by customers will likely have a significant impact on them. Default indicators in the Euro-zone are on the rise; insolvencies in several markets have been on a pronounced trend upward in 2008. There are very few signs of optimism, at least in the medium term. In any economic environment there are winners and losers. Companies that can select the winning companies to do business with are going to prosper. <

Question: That said, how does Atradius support its customers in the current business climate?
Answer: The best quality customer service is the most important thing we can provide our customers. Part of that is information. Knowing when a buyer is in trouble and may soon pose a high risk of defaulting on its invoices can be the best service our customers receive as it can minimize the possibility of receivables and cash flow problems that could result in their own failure. We are increasing the amount of information we make available to our customers about changes in the claims environment. This will help them better manage their receivables and provide better understanding of the issues that may impact cover. <

Question: You seem to have a lot more interests in South East Asia this year. Is there a specific reason?
Answer: The emerging markets of South East Asia have become increasingly important to western businesses. Companies of all sizes are exporting or running manufacturing operations there. These are markets with significant potential for growth compared to slow growing or declining western markets. Our focus in that region reflects our customers’ need to credit insure their trade transactions in those markets with a company they already know and can rely on, and which has the local expertise to effectively and efficiently support them. <

Question: In your opinion, what is the outlook for the trade credit insurance industry in the remainder of 2008?
Answer: Applications for credit insurance have increased quite substantially owing, in part, to the current business climate. Credit insurance is considered by businesses as an important asset in maintaining healthy cash flow and profitable sales. However, I think that the challenge ahead for credit insurers in the current business climate is to maintain balanced risk portfolios and to continue providing the best quality service to customers in a heightened risk environment. <

To find out more about Atradius visit: www.atradius.com

Did you know…
Judging of The 2009 European Business Awards will take place at the offices of Atradius in Rome, Italy? Click here to find out more.

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