2011 Ruban d’Honneur announced

Over 100 companies have been awarded a ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ prize in the penultimate stage of the European Business Awards, sponsored by HSBC.

Successful companies including DHL Germany, Harrods, Lebara, Veja, RTL Group, SENER, Eurocash, Diamdel, Santé and Mavi are representing nations across Europe. For the full list please visit: /ruban-dhonneur-categories/2011

Some of Europe’s most dynamic businesses have survived intensive and rigorous judging to make it onto the finalists list. With victory in their sights they now have a chance to be crowned as one of ten overall category winners in the Awards.

Adrian Tripp, Chief Executive of the European Business Awards, said: “Receiving a Ruban d’Honneur is a major success. It promotes the fact that you’re up there with the best businesses across the European community. This year has been tough on the judging panel as we’re seeing businesses emerge from economic difficulties and come out fighting and delivering some great entries. The mood is confident, ebullient and highly competitive.”

John Casey, HSBC Head of Commercial Banking, Continental Europe, commented: “While only a few may be crowned European Business Award winners, all are a reminder of the immense talent creating prosperity across the country and across Europe as a whole. We connect businesses with opportunities internationally every day, and are pleased to see so many of these businesses pursuing global growth opportunities with a forward-thinking approach. As these winners attest, Europe has a great deal to be confident about.”

Jean Stevens, CEO of RSM International, sponsor of the RSM International Entrepreneur of the Year Award commented “Entrepreneurs are the bedrock of a healthy economy, not only are they are the engines for growth, but they are often at the cutting edge of business, providing creative ideas and services which revolutionise their sectors. The quality of entrants this year is unparalleled and the judges will have a tough time picking a winner in this impressive category."

Susan Haird, Acting Chief Executive of UKTI, said: “These prizes are a wonderful illustration of Europe’s entrepreneurial spirit. Today’s shortlist is full of companies that are finding new and creative ways of engaging with their customers and expanding their business. I am especially pleased to see such a variety of companies represented in UKTI’s Award for Innovation, demonstrating the wealth of new talent on offer across the continent.”

Ruban d’Honneur recipients are preparing to present face to face before a second judging panel in London in September. The overall winners in each of the categories will be announced at the Awards ceremony in Barcelona on 22^nd November 2011.

The Ruban d’Honneur is awarded to ten successful entrants in each of the award categories: The UKTI Award for Innovation, The HSBC International Growth Strategy of the Year Award, The Award for Environmental and Corporate Sustainability, The Award for Customer Focus, The Employer of the Year Award, The RSM International Entrepreneur of the Year Award, The HSBC Import/Export Award, The Infosys Business of the Year Award (T/O €0-25m), (T/O €26-150m), (T/O €150m +).

Case studies are available upon request.