Treatt, the Suffolk-based flavour, fragrance and cosmetic ingredients specialist has been named as a National Champion in the European Business Awards for 2014-15.

The awards, now in their eighth year, aim to recognise excellence, best practice and innovation across the European business community and this year involved engagement with more than 24,000 firms from 33 different countries.

Treat, whose diverse portfolio ranges from essential oils to a number of proprietary products developed for the carbonated, still and alcoholic drinks sectors is one of fewer than 70 UK businesses selected to go forward to the next round of the judging process.

Daemmon Reeve, group chief executive of Treatt, which is based in Bury St Edmunds, said: “We’re very proud to be selected to represent the UK as a National Champion.

“The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies and we are now looking forward to the next round of the judging process where we can explain in more depth how we are achieving business success.”

Adrian Tripp, chief executive of the European Business Awards, said: “Congratulations to Treatt; it is a great achievement to be named National Champion and we wish them luck in the next stage.

“The European Business Awards is going from strength to strength, inspiring businesses to greater success and helping to improve the competitive edge of companies across Europe.”

Jean Stephens, chief executive of accounting and consulting firm RSM International, lead sponsor of the awards, added: “Every year this competition gets tougher and more competitive as more companies, of varied sizes and across all sectors, chose to compete in this prestigious competition.

“With the increased number of entries and countries, this year looks to become the toughest Awards yet. It will be exciting to watch as we move through to the next round.”

A European-wide panel of judges made up of business leaders, academics and entrepreneurs will now view videos from each of the National Champions and award the best of this group the coveted “Ruban d’Honneur” status. Ruban d’Honneur recipients will then go on to the grand final in 2015.

All of the National Champions will also take part in a public vote to decide Public Champions for each country. Other National Champions in the UK include household names such as Marks & Spencer, British Airways, Channel Four and Dairy Crest.