Which countries are able to enter?

The Awards are open to organisations with one or more main offices located in any of the 27 European Union member states. Multiple entries will be accepted from companies who wish to enter from registered locations in more than one EU state.

Who can enter?

All businesses of any size that have traded for 18 months with a main office function within one or more EU country. There is no restriction on the size of turnover or number of employees.

What are the criteria for entering?

There are separate criteria for each category with three overall guiding principles to participation; business success, innovation and ethical practice.

How much does it cost?

Standard entry costs €125 and Feedback entry costs €200 (Feedback option provides entrants with a four-page report of the independent judges' opinion of their strengths and weaknesses of their submission). All entry fees are payable whether the entry forms are returned or not.

How long does it take to complete an Entry Form?

We recommend that you allow between one and two days to complete your entry form. Information may be needed from different areas of the business, including some financial information, but nothing which is confidential or sensitive.

When is the deadline for Entry Forms?

You may submit your entry form(s) at any time before the deadline of noon (GMT) on 18 October 2007.

If I am successful – what happens next?

The ten successful applicants in each category that become finalists will each receive a coveted 'Ruban d'Honneur' in recognition of their achievements. They will be informed immediately before the full list of finalists is announced to the European press and media on Thursday 15 November. Finalists then have more than eight weeks to prepare a presentation to be made in person to a panel of judges. The judges are all senior executive business people, expert academics or commentators.

We recommend to all finalists that their presentation team (usually two or three people) include not only the executive most qualified to address the category subject, but also the CEO or COO. The expert judges may ask questions which are most appropriately answered by one of the organisation's top executives.

When will the judging take place?

The category judging panels will meet between 14 and 25 January 2008 in Paris. All ten category finalists will present on the same day and to the same judges. When entrants are informed that they are a finalist they will be offered a time of day to make their presentation. The organisers will do their best to provide a suitable time that allows for travel and other needs.

The judges will reach their decision by the end of the day. Finalists will not be notified of the outcome then but at the Awards Ceremony in the magnificent Opera Ballroom of the InterContinental Paris Le Grand on Tuesday 11 March 2008. The finalists' CEO and one other senior board member will be invited as guests of the sponsors to attend the ceremony. Attached to the event is a European Business Seminar. The delegates, strictly limited by invitation to participants in the European Business Awards 2008, will include the judges, European business leaders and other VIPs. (Please note: finalists are required to fully provide for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs at all times.)

Why should we enter?

The European Business Awards programme creates highly positive press coverage across Europe as news stories in national newspapers, business and trade magazines, broadcast media and on internet web pages. The Awards offer excellent opportunities to present your company as an example of an outstanding business across the 27 EU countries and beyond.

Taking part in this programme will show your staff you have confidence them and their pride in your success will transmit to suppliers, customers and shareholders.

Importantly, taking part assists you to benchmark your business against others from different sectors in different countries. The European Business Awards provides a unique opportunity for your success to be recognised and celebrated on a pan-European platform.

Which of the categories should I enter?

Select a category, or categories, from the criteria for each category or speak with one of our advisers on +44 (0) 20 7234 8750. You can enter as many categories as you wish. If your business operates across national borders you can also enter different country-based offices.

How do I register?

Registering to enter these awards is simple: you can complete the 'Request further information' form, call our entries team on +44 (0) 20 7234 8750, or you can email info@businessawardseurope.com. You will then be sent a Registration Form. Upon receipt of your Registration Form and payment, you will be sent the full Entry Form.

Why is English the language of the European Business Awards?

Among business people in Europe, English is widely recognised as the prevailing common language of commerce. Our research and advice has shown it to be the most widely spoken second language used across the EU. The entry process, judging and ceremony are therefore all conducted in English.