Capita wins European Business Award

Last night the Capita Group Plc was recognised at the FT Best of European Business Awards, emerging as UK mid-sized company winner in the revenue-growth category.

The Awards have been launched by the Financial Times and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants to recognise Europe's star corporate performers and identify factors behind their success.

The selection process is complex, involving competitions in seven countries - the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and Portugal. In each country, companies are judged according to their growth record, the value they generate and their innovation. The national prizes will be followed by a 'European Summit' in Brussels in November, at which Europe's best overall performers will be announced.

Last night, the UK Awards event was held at London's Banqueting House, where Andrew Gowers, editor of the FT and one of the judges, said of the winners: "This has been a fascinating exercise, reminding us all of the wealth of well-managed and dynamic companies that are thriving in 21st century ­Britain. We have identified some cracking stories of growth, value creation and innovation - and in the best cases, found a combination of all three."

Capita was initially shortlisted in the summer based on statistical criteria and an in-depth interview, although in the following months, judges have undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of each shortlisted organisation and the specific market challenges they face.

The Group was named as the mid-sized company winner for growth as a result of compound annual sales growth rate of 29 per cent over the past five years in a tough, political market where many others fail. Runner-up in this category was Grampian Country Food, while EasyJet, EMR, Land Securities and Sportingbet were also shortlisted.

Upon receiving the Award, Rod Aldridge, Executive Chairman, The Capita Group Plc, commented: "We are delighted to be recognised as one of Europe's best performing organisations. This accolade is testament to all our employees, who simply get down to the business of competing and delivering at the highest level."

The Judging Panel was made up of independent, respected business names: Donald Brydon, chairman, Smiths Group, Axa and the London Metal Exchange; Andrew Gowers, editor of the FT; Baroness Hogg, chairman, 3i, deputy chairman, GKN; Sir Digby Jones, director-general, CBI; John Kay, economist and FT columnist; Sir Peter Middleton, chairman, Camelot, vice-chairman, United Utilities; John Peace, chief executive, GUS, chairman, Burberry; Jeff Randall, business editor, BBC; Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman, Boots, Pilkington, deputy chairman, Barclays; David Stern, managing partner, Roland Berger UK.

For further information visit www.ft.com/beb

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