European Business Awards announce 2011 Phase One Country Representatives

The results are now in for the first round of the European Business Awards sponsored by HSBC.  More than 185 exceptional companies have been selected to represent their nation across Europe and compete in the next stage to ultimately win a European Business Award.

For a full list of Country Representatives from the UK, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Poland, Spain, and Turkey, please click here. A second wave of country representatives will be announced on Thursday 7^th July for the rest of the EU countries.

Adrian Tripp, Chief Executive of the European Business Awards, said: “Each year we witness impressive entries from some outstanding companies with some great stories to tell. This year is no different; the quality of applicants is rising as are the number of entrants, so these organisations who have achieved Country Representative status truly are the best of the best. They will go on to fly the flag for their countries as they battle it out across Europe in the next round to scoop a Ruban d’Honneur.”

John Casey, HSBC Head of Commercial Banking, Europe, commented: “The European Business Awards provide a perfect opportunity to recognise the best of European business and their successes over the past twelve months. These companies have displayed an impressive ability to thrive despite challenging economic conditions, pursuing growth and creating prosperity. Their recognition is highly deserved, and through the European Business Awards their success – and the stories behind that - can be shared across the wider business community. We look forward to celebrating alongside these inspirational businesses and wish them every success at the next stage of judging.”

Susan Haird, Acting Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment, said: "Companies that are able to keep their work fresh and innovative, whilst still responding to the needs and demands of their customers, are an inspiration. Seeing so many listed here today from across Europe shows the standard that has been set and the competitiveness of the Awards being given. I wish all the entrants great success."

The Country Representatives will now be judgedby an eminent panel of economists, academics, business leaders, politicians and media owners. They will evaluate the entries and select the top 100 scoring companies to become Ruban d’Honneur recipients, to be announced on 28^th July.

Ruban d’Honneur recipients will be invited to attend the final stage of the competition in September when they will give face-to-face presentations and interviews to a panel of judges who will determine the overall European Business Award winner in ten categories.

The Ruban d’Honneur winners will be honoured at the gala Awards presentation ceremony at Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona on 22^nd November, where the overall European Business Award category winners will be revealed.

None of this would be possible without the thousands of companies that have taken part or without the support of our sponsors and partners, HSBC, RSM International, Infosys and in association with UKTI.

ENDS