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

Successful companies include Software AG, Harrods, THY DO & CO A.Ş, Repsol, Solairedirect, Companeo, Sheffield Forgemasters, Eurocash and Amadeus IT Group, representing nations across Europe. 

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 eleven 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 everyday, 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.”

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 22nd 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), The Infosys Business of the Year Award (T/O €26-150m), The Infosys Business of the Year Award (T/O €150m +).