Diamdel Antwerp will represent Belgium at the prestigious HSBC-sponsored 2010 European Business Awards program, the diamantaire's website said.

Diamdel overcame stiff competition to become one of 15 Country Representatives, and will now compete for a coveted Ruban d’Honneur in the next round of the competition.

Final category Award winners will be unveiled in Paris on 16th November.

The European Business Awards, now going on its fourth year, has identified some of Europe’s leading businesses based on their ability to demonstrate the "three core principles," as defined by the program – innovation, business excellence and sustainability.

Neil Ventura, Diamdel CEO, said that, “At Diamdel we’re absolutely thrilled to be selected to represent Belgium. Diamdel has been operating in Antwerp for over 44 years in the diamond sector and it’s an honour to be recognised as one of the leading organisations in our country and in our field.

"The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies. We’re looking forward to the next round of the competition where we’ll be competing across Europe to receive a Ruban d’Honneur in our category.”

The European Business Awards is dedicated to raising the visibility and progress of companies who excel in delivering innovation twinned with successful commercial results whilst acting responsibly and positively affecting the social environment they operate in.

In 2009, the 99 Ruban d’Honneur recipients had a combined turnover greater than €570 billion and recorded an average annual profit growth of 56%.

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards added: “Over the past four years we’ve received an incredibly high standard of entries from organisations who are passionate about their business.

"However, very few get the chance to fly the flag for their country and compete across Europe to be recognised as one of the EU’s leading companies. It really is an exceptional accolade to be picked as a Country Representative, and together with HSBC we’re looking forward to seeing Diamdel Antwerp in the next round.”