“This year’s finalists are a stimulating mix of established businesses and new entrepreneurial ventures with a common thread running through them all - resilience and determination to succeed. The appetite for recognition amongst the UK’s business community is perhaps stronger than ever, as we’ve seen a 20 rise in the number of companies entering for these awards. It is really satisfying that all of those that entered have faith and confidence in their ability to continue to operate to an excellent standard, further feeding the positive messages emerging about an upturn in the economy. Orange would like to wish all the finalists ongoing success”, said Martin Lyne, Director for Small and Medium Enterprise for headline sponsor, Orange.

The total number of organisations entering The National Business Awards in 2009 increased by over 20 percent YOY despite the challenging market conditions. Commenting on the encouraging figures and the calibre of entries, Philip Forrest, Chairman of Judges, The National Business Awards, said “The economic climate continues to present UK businesses with an unprecedented challenge and some sectors have suffered in its wake. It is therefore encouraging that the entries in this year’s National Business Awards has shown no drop in quality or performance. This not only reflects the resilience and optimism that are the hallmarks of UK enterprise but has served to make this one of the most competitive years so far. The organisations that entered have a combined revenue of £253bn, employ over 1 million people and generate profits in excess of over £40bn. And, without exception all entries have an optimistic view of the year ahead.”

Finalists will as of today prepare to make their presentations in person before an independent, expert judging panel. “To reach the final stage of the UK’s most important business recognition programme is an enormous achievement. It is companies like these, who are bucking the economic trend and delivering excellent results that will benefit most when the upturn finally comes. It will be fascinating to see which companies walk away with the awards in November”, said Martin Lyne, Director for Small and Medium Enterprise for headline sponsor, Orange.

Winners will be unveiled at a glittering gala award ceremony on 10th November at the Grosvenor House hotel in London. Current title holders include Sir John Rose, CEO, Rolls-Royce, who won The Orange Business Leader Award in 2008 and Paul Walsh, CEO, Diageo, who won The Daily Telegraph Decade of Excellence in Business accolade.