The second edition of the UK-Italy Business Awards, organised by the UK Government and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) took place on 29 January in Milan. 

The Awards are formal recognition of Italian companies that have chosen the United Kingdom as a key destination for their business development strategy in 2008, with the support of UKTI staff based at the British Consulate General Milan.

Borsa Italiana, the London Stock Exchange’s strategic partner, hosted the ceremony for the second year running, further underlining the importance of the relationship between the UK and Italy.

The ceremony took place at the Mezzanotte Palace, the magnificent home of Borsa Italiana.

Edward Chaplin, H.M. Ambassador in Italy; Danny Lopez, Managing Director, Marketing Group of UK Trade & Investment in London; Ing. Massimo Capuano, Managing Director of Borsa Italiana; and Laurence Bristow-Smith, H.M. Consul General in Milan, attended the Awards Ceremony.

Chris Gibson-Smith, Chairman of London Stock Exchange, and Lord David Triesman, Chairman of The Football Association, were the guests of honour.

The Italian writer and journalist Beppe Severgnini introduced the ceremony and guests. He also received the Intercultural Award.

"Last year alone, over 1500 foreign direct investment projects from 48 countries came to the UK - an increase of 10% over 2007", Ambassador Edward Chaplin said in his opening speech. "These projects created over 45,000 new jobs and safeguarded more than 58,000. Of course, 2009 may tell a different story. But companies can count on the UK Government to continue to encourage this flow of inward investment - and to continue making the right decisions. There will be no backtracking, no turning back the clocks".

The names of the winning companies and the relevant categories are:
Ama Software, Market Entrant Award
Autogrill, Investor of the Year
Barabino & Partners, Business Internationalisation Award
Bravosolution, Business Technologies Award
Falk Renewables, International Environmental Award
Yamamay, Brand Internationalisation Award
Tecnospamec, Research & Development Award
Technogym, Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Laura Tonatto, Creativity Award

A special Career Recognition Award was given to Fabio Capello for his contribution to the world of sports.

The evening concluded with a special music talent scouting initiative organised by UK Trade & Investment. This year’s award winners are examples of talent, innovation, enterprise, creativity, commitment and perseverance – all decisive factors when pursuing an artistic career. Moreover, UKTI supports investment in creative industries including design, entertainment and music.

UKTI had, therefore, invited Simon Bohannon and Francesco Cameli from Sphere Studios, one of the most important recording studios in London, to listen to and lay the foundation for future cooperation with an Italian artist, who entertained guests in the final part of the evening.

For further information contact:
British Consulate General
Communications Team
Via San Paolo 7 – 20121 Milan
Tel: 0039 02 72300 215/228
Fax: 0039 02 86465081
communicationsmilan@fco.gov.uk

Notes for Editors

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the UK Government organisation that encourages international trade and supports overseas companies doing business in the UK, helping them to realise their growth potential. The UK is Europe’s number one destination for inward investment. Each year hundreds of companies from all over the world come to the UK to expand their international market share and increase their competitive advantage. Every year the UKTI staff based in Italy provides support and advice to hundreds of companies of any size – from start-ups to technology leaders in their markets – in the development of their international business, starting from the UK market.

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS: An opportunity not to be missed
Businesses that want to take advantage of the business opportunities created by the 2012 Games need to act now. They should register on the London2012 website to receive tender notifications the moment they are released. Businesses can use the Compete-For initiative on the website to express interest in opportunities available throughout the London 2012 supply chain. UKTI is uniquely positioned to help companies take advantage of these opportunities, including the wider growth prospects for all businesses. Contact inwardinvestment.milan@fco.gov.uk for more information.

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