The European Business Awards, sponsored by RSM, the world's 7th largest network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, presented trophies in 11 categories. It is now in its 9th year and ranks among Europe's most prestigious business awards. In the 2014/15 competition, which this year attracted over 24,000 businesses, all EU member markets were represented plus Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. BMZ GmbH was shortlisted as one of 709 National Champions and then named winner in its category. The winning businesses have achieved their success after 16 months in the largest, and one of the toughest, business competitions in Europe.
At an exclusive awards ceremony in London attended by leading business leaders, politicians, ambassadors and academics from across Europe, Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM, said: "The calibre of this year's competition finalists is outstanding. At RSM, we believe it is important to champion business excellence as successful and thriving companies are an integral force in driving growth and stimulating economies. All those involved are a credit to their country and we wish them every success for the future."
BMZ founder and owner Sven Bauer, is pleased about being named winner of 'The RSM Entrepreneur of the Year Award': "The award is a special honour for the entire team, showing once more how much dedication and know-how exists in small and medium sized European enterprises. The sustainable handling of finite fossil resources as well as a desire for the greatest possible degree of mobility and independence has led to a rapid increase in the demand for intelligent and professional rechargeable battery solutions for equipment, vehicles and energy storage systems in recent years. Our goal is to preserve the environment for coming generations. We are still in the very early stages of an exciting future."
For more than two decades, BMZ develops and manufactures high-quality lithium-ion accumulators (rechargeable batteries) for renowned industrial companies from all over the world. BMZ has its own manufacturing facilities in Germany, Poland, China and the USA. In 2014, the high-tech company, which was founded in 1994, achieved a turnover of some 300 million euros with more than 1,200 employees worldwide. The 500 million euros threshold is expected to be exceeded in 2020 at the latest.
In order to create the necessary conditions for growth, BMZ will continue to invest heavily, above all in the industrial base in Germany. In the coming years, BMZ plans to invest 45 million euros in the construction of Europe's largest lithium rechargeable battery manufacturing at the company's headquarters in Karlstein. "Apart from the most modern equipment and a well-functioning infrastructure, a high-tech company like BMZ needs above all highly motivated and well-qualified employees. As a manufacturer of especially high-quality and long-lasting rechargeable battery systems, we will continue to expand not only our development, but also our manufacturing activities in Germany, provided we find sufficiently qualified employees here. Awards such as 'The RSM Entrepreneur of the Year Award' are for us confirmation and motivation at the same time to further pursue this approach resolutely."
About RSM
RSM is the 7th largest network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, encompassing over 112 countries, 700 offices and 37,400 people internationally. The network's total fee income is US$4.4 billion. RSM is the 6th largest provider of tax services and audit and accounting services worldwide.
RSM is the lead sponsor and corporate champion of the European Business Awards promoting commercial excellence and recognition of entrepreneurial brilliance. RSM is a member of the Forum of Firms. The objective of the Forum of Firms is to promote consistent and high quality standards of financial and auditing practices worldwide.
RSM is the brand used by a network of independent accounting and advisory firms each of which practices in its own right. RSM International Limited does not itself provide any accounting and advisory services. Member firms are driven by a common vision of providing high quality professional services, both in their domestic markets and in serving the international professional service needs of their client base. www.rsmi.com.