This article was published before we became the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade on 10 July 2024, and this is reflected in references to our old brand and name. For more information about us becoming Chartered, visit our dedicated webpage on the change here.

Our Director General, Lesley Batchelor OBE, has joined an esteemed group of leading entrepreneurs, academics and thought leaders on the judging panel of the European Business Awards which recognise and reward excellence, best practice, innovation and ethics in European companies.

The overarching goal of the awards, launched in 2007, is to support the development of a stronger and more successful European business community. Praised by thought leaders and businessmen, ambassadors and politicians across Europe, the awards enable companies of all sizes and industries to compare themselves to – and learn from – the very best in Europe.

While Lesley has joined fellow judges on the panel for the Import/Export award, which is now closed, the public can still vote online for the European Public Champion by choosing their favourite company from the 32 National Public Champions.

Votes can be submitted until April 26, and the European Public Champion will be recognised at the prestigious awards ceremony in Milan on June 17.

The 150-strong judging panel also includes Alexander Panagopulos, Chairman and CEO of Arista Maritime Inc; Zviad Pochkhua, Editor in Chief of Georgia’s primary business daily, The Financial, and President of the not-for-profit union Independent Association of Georgian Journalists; Tony Goodwin, Group CEO & Chairman of Antal International & Antal International Network; Andrea Abrahams, Global Director for BP Target Neutral; Anna Kolisz, Vice-President and Managing Director for ANKOL Sp. z o.o; and Petar Stoyanov, former President of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Said Lesley: “It’s an honour to be invited onto such a high-profile judging panel for these awards. Wholly aligned with the IOE’s ethos to reward excellence and best practice, they are a powerful platform for showcasing the best businesses in Europe as we all work to a common goal of creating a stronger European business community.

“We urge everyone to support British business by voting for our National Public Champion to become the European Public Champion.”

If you would like more information on the IOE’s business membershiptraining and qualifications, please visit our website or contact us if you have any questions.