Sixty five businesses from the UK have today been named National Champions in The European Business Awards sponsored by RSM International, and will now go through to the second phase of this prestigious competition. In total, 709 companies, across 33 European countries have been named as National Champions.
A panel of independent judges, including senior academic and business leaders, selected the National Champions after the European Business Awards engaged with over 24,000 companies this year, a 40% increase from last year and a record-breaking number for the competition now in its eighth year.
Many of the categories saw an increase, with key increases in the Business of the Year Award category in the two turnover brackets of €0-25m and €150m or higher, and the RSM Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The top three sectors represented this year are IT Technology, Manufacturing and Food and Drink.
Laurence Longe, Baker Tilly’s National Managing Partner, said: ‘These awards recognise UK businesses that have strived to be innovative and continue to look for growth opportunities despite what has been a difficult economic climate for many.
‘There’s no doubt that these businesses play a key part in driving our economy forward through the creation of wealth, jobs and expertise. In addition to this, they continue to demonstrate the creativity and vision that helps keep the UK at the forefront of European business.’
Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards, said: “Congratulations to all of these businesses from the United Kingdom. It is a great achievement to be named National Champion in this tough competition where the standard is very high. The next part of the competition is when things get really exciting!”
The next round requires the National Champions to make a presentation video, telling their unique story and explaining their business success. The judges will view all of the National Champions’ videos, and award the best of this group the coveted ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ status. Ruban d’Honneur recipients will then go on to be part of the grand final in 2015.
Separately, the National Champion videos will be made public on the European Business Awards website www.businessawardseurope.com as part of a two stage public vote, which will decide the ‘National Public Champions’ for each country. Last year over 93,000 votes were cast as companies from across Europe were publicly supported by their clients, staff and peers, as well as the general public.
Supported since their inception by lead sponsor and promoter, RSM International, the 7th largest audit, tax and advisory network worldwide and with a major presence across Europe, the European Business Awards was set up to recognise and reward excellence, best practice and innovation in companies of all sizes and sectors across the European business community, The European Business Awards is supported by key influencers including EU Trade Commissioner, Karel De Gucht.
In 2013/14 competition, all EU member markets were represented plus Turkey, Norway and Macedonia and their combined revenue exceeded EURO1 trillion, generated profits of over EURO 50 billion.