In these dark economic times, it is heartening to see that Irish businesses can still compete at a European level, at least when it comes to awards.
News came yesterday that seven out of the 100 companies from 28 countries reaching the final stage of the European Business Awards were Irish.
These companies, which will be awarded a Ruban d'Honneur, are: Aer Lingus, Glennon Brothers, Helix Health, Saongroup.com, Netwatch, Coillte and Translink.
The seven firms now go forward to be judged in face-to-face interviews in their respective categories, with the ultimate winners to be announced in April.
The 10 award categories are: innovation, growth strategy, environmental and corporate responsibility, customer focus, Employer of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Import/Export and Business of the Year across three business sizes.
Judges in the awards, who have assessed entrants over the past two months, include business leaders, academics and entrepreneurs.
The process included public voting on videos produced by the entrants, with 35,000 votes cast.
RSM Farrell Grant Sparks is the Irish sponsor for the awards.
