OREANDA-NEWS. October 25, 2012. The winners of the Swedish Business Awards 2012 were announced at a conference held in the Russian Theatre in Tallinn. Awards were conferred in four categories: Sustainable Growth Award, Environmental Award, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year, reported the press-centre of Swedbank.

The Sustainable Growth Award was conferred upon Palmse Mehaanikakoda, an enterprise from Laane-Viru County, which has demonstrated sustainable growth in terms of financial results as well as export volumes, and has contributed greatly to the development of the local community, being also the largest local employer.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year is Indrek Rebane, the executive and founder of Hedgehog OU, whose electronic design enterprise’s innovative solutions, passion and ambitious plans serve as an example for young entrepreneurs and students in making their dreams come true.

Robert Kitt, the Executive Manager of Corporate Banking of Swedbank, said that an innovative idea in the making needs to be recognised first and supported and nourished thereafter. “I advise entrepreneurs to keep an eye on the activities of the researchers and inventors operating in their sector – perhaps the latter are about to find a solution to a problem that has impeded the development of your company for years. Let us return a portion of our success to Estonian society by helping world-changing future technologies and products be born and by supporting them."

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year was elected for the third time in the Swedish Business Awards competition. Last year’s winner was fashion designer Lilli Jahilo.

The Environmental Award went to KOKO’s Architects who managed the project for constructing the heating systems of the Seaplane Harbour project. The project is a unique and environmentally friendly one that serves as a good example of finding innovative solutions in a situation where space is lacking.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year is the “For Your Health” initiative by the Rimi chain store, which calls upon consumers to make healthier choices and serves as an exemplary corporate initiative in protecting and informing the customer, for instance, by limiting the sale of tobacco products and energy drinks.

This year, a record-breaking 76 enterprises were nominated for the awards.

The jury of the Swedish Business Awards 2012 included Jan Palmstierna (Swedish Ambassador to Estonia), Priit Perens (Head of Swedbank Estonia), Kristiina Sikk (Swedish Chamber of Commerce), Rein Leipalu (Ragn-Sells) and Mantas Zalatorius (Swedish Export Council).