European businesses award finalists look to buck global trend

The finalists in this year’s European Business Awards have sounded a surprisingly positive note when asked about the prospects for their businesses in 2009. Despite the worldwide recession, three-quarters of the finalists believe that they are set to enjoy considerable growth this year, either organically or through acquisitions.

An even larger number of respondents pointed to a general sense of business optimism, with 96% saying there will be considerable business opportunities over the next 12 months. In another break from the doom and gloom enveloping the rest of the business community, less than half (44%) believe the recession will have a negative impact on their businesses and only a quarter worry that the recession will affect their business models.

This widespread optimism comes despite two thirds conceding that the world is in the grip of the worst slump since the Great Depression. “What is interesting is that despite the general malaise surrounding the global economy, our entrants continue to demonstrate growth strategies and leadership to achieve and maintain impressive results”, said Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards.

There was also some rare good news for the banking sector. 70% of executives from finalists’ companies reported being satisfied with the service from their financial advisors, and have no plans to change their banking requirements in the year ahead.

The European Business Awards ceremony took place in Rome on 7 April. Winners included Air Berlin in the customer focus category, the Manchester Rusk Company in the environmental awareness category, and Acciona SA of Spain in the corporate sustainability category.