HSBC is on the hunt for Malta's premium business talent as the European Business Awards 2010, sponsored by HSBC Commercial Banking, opens for entries across the EU.

Now in their fourth year, the awards are recognised as the hallmark of innovation, success and sustainability across the EU. They provide an opportunity for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors in the Maltese islands to represent their country on a pan-European scale across eight awards categories.

After a judging process led by Europe's most respected business leaders, winners will accept their accolades before an audience of over 400 of Europe's top politicians, business leaders, entrepreneurs, business commentators and journalists at a ceremony in London in November.

Past judges for the European Business Awards have included former Dutch prime minister Wim Kok, former Bulgarian president Petar Stoyanov, and former Romanian president Emil Constantinescu.

"As we start to turn the corner from what has been an unprecedented difficult scenario for international businesses, we believe it is essential that we both acknowledge and celebrate the ingenuity that has enabled many companies to survive and often thrive in Malta during this time," HSBC Malta's head of commercial banking Richard Cottell said.

"We are seeing many businesses take valuable lessons from these experiences and employ new strategies to build better, stronger business models for the future. The awards provide an excellent platform to demonstrate the excellence of local businesses."

Entries close on April 16. Interested businesses should contact their HSBC relationship manager, the HSBC Malta call centre on 2380 8000 or e-mail info@businessawardseurope.com for more details.