European Business Awards crowns 10 businesses as continental champions

The crème de la crème of European business gathered to celebrate their shared success and congratulate the 10 category award winners in the finale of the European Business Awards 2010.

At the prestigious Awards ceremony held today at The Westin, Paris, 100 Ruban d’Honneur recipients waited with baited breath to see which companies would be crowned as the winners of European Business Awards 2010. They were cheered on by heads of state, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and media owners along with representatives from across the 27 member European states, plus emerging and accession countries.

The diverse group of entrants, ranging from fish farming to renewable energy and light aircraft to skincare, have truly weathered the recent economic storm and together have a combined turnover greater than €766 billion Euros (6% of EU GDP) and employ over 3.5 million people.

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said, “The quality of entrants for this year’s, European Business Awards has been staggeringly high and we’ve had the privilege of examining the work of Europe’s most dynamic organisations. To win an Award is a remarkable tribute, as each year our judges raise the standard of expectation and are a tough bunch to please. It’s been an honour to see the companies win and we’re looking forward to seeing their success stories continue.”

Alan Keir, HSBC Group General Manager and Global Co-Head Commercial Banking, added: “This year’s entrants demonstrate that European business is alive and kicking and that there are exceptional organisations which are thriving and expanding regardless of the recent economic fragility.

“We believe it is essential that we acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding resourcefulness, entrepreneurialism and innovation that are driving success across the region and our reputation on the world stage. This year’s winning businesses should provide inspiration for organisations across Europe and we applaud their significant achievement in securing a European Business Award.”

Jean Stephens, CEO, RSM International, “Exceptional business talent needs to be recognised and rewarded – and our support for the fourth consecutive year of the EBA Entrepreneur of the Year award reflects RSM’s commitment to partnering with the best business professionals in the world.  We wish congratulations to every winner today.”

Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment, said, “These awards provide the perfect opportunity for businesses of any size to showcase the work they have been doing, and I am pleased to see so many UK firms have been short-listed.

“Trade and investment is extremely important to the UK both in building up our economy and in developing our relationships with other countries. In fact, the EU is the UK’s leading trading partner, and the destination for over half of our exports.

“UKTI has been closely involved in these awards, and I hope that they will give winners and contributors alike valuable opportunities to engage with other businesses and to develop further.”

B.G. Srinivas, Senior Vice President, Member Executive Council, Infosys: “Our congratulations to all of this year’s winners. Having previously won a Ruban d’Honneur ourselves we know first-hand how rigorous and prestigious these awards are for European businesses. The Awards recognise and promote excellence, best practice and innovation in the European business community and we embrace their ethos wholeheartedly.”

Finalists said that they were increasingly looking abroad as a key to success and survival in an increasingly competitive world.  Indeed, so confident are European business in making a global impact that 1 in 3 are looking to dominate their sector worldwide.

Globalisation dominated discussions at the European Business Awards with the round table discussions focussing on internationalism and global trade prior to the award ceremony.

 Full list of winners 2010

• The Award for Corporate Sustainability – Fairtrade Foundation (UK)
• The Employer of the Year Award – &Samhoud (Netherlands)
• The HSBC Growth Strategy of the Year Award – Infinis (UK)
• The RSM International Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Taxback.com (Ireland)
• The Award for Customer Focus – Etiketten Carini (Austria)
• The Infosys Business of the Year Award – Milicom International Cellular SA (Luxembourg)
• The Environmental Awareness Award – A.P Moller Maersk Group (Denmark)
• The UKTI Award for Innovation – Pipistrel d.o.o Ajdovscina (Slovenia)
• The Infosys Business of the Year Award (below 60M Euro) – Softonic.com (Spain)
• Chairman’s Selection – Wissol Group (Georgia)