OREANDA-NEWS.  October 03, 2012. This year, a record-breaking 76 undertakings were nominated for the Swedish Business Award and the three best were chosen from among them in each category. The winners will be announced on 18 October 2012 at a glamorous conference in the Russian Theatre in Tallinn, reported the press-centre of Swedbank.

According to Robert Kitt, the Executive Manager of Corporate Banking of Swedbank, the competition helps to introduce Estonian companies and draw society’s attention to responsible development in business.

“The quality of applications submitted to the competition is very high this year and it shows that Estonian entrepreneurs are very hardworking and must be rewarded. The Swedish Business Awards a competition that upholds the idea of sustainable growth and gives Estonian undertakings a great chance to draw attention,” said Kitt.

This year, Swedish business awards are given in the following categories: Sustainable Growth Award, Environmental Award, Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Oil shale processor Viru Keemia, software developer Nortal and machine engineering enterprise Palmse Mehaanikakoda compete for the Sustainable Growth Award. In the Environmental Award category, the Nomination Committee selected the KOKO architectural bureau, East Tallinn Central Hospital and Solaris commercial and entertainment centre as the nominees.
The nominees for the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year are: the For Your Health project by the Rimi chain store, the activities of Technopolis Ulemiste in supporting startups, and the cooperation between the Baltika Group and Estonian higher education institutions in educating the garments industry and fashion students.

In the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, the Committee selected the following three finalists: Cherry (discount campaign web environment creator), Hedgehog electronics undertaking, and Sushi Cat sushi restaurant.

In Estonia, the competition is being held for the fourth year. Last year the Sustainable Growth award went to Poltsamaa Felix, the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year was the Entrum entrepreneurship development programme and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year was Lilli Jahilo.

The event is organised by the Swedish Trade Council in cooperation with the Swedish Embassy and Swedbank.

Further information: www.swedishbusinessawards.com.