The chair of the committee, Economic Development and Technology Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, told the press that the award for last year would not be handed out since none of the shortlisted companies was considered to fully meet the criteria.

The three finalists will receive honours for making the shortlist.

Europlakat was picked in the category of private sector organisations with 250 and fewer employees, the Jesenice faculty in the 250 minus category in the public sector and UKC in the 250 plus public sector segment.

At the ceremony, Počivalšek nonetheless took the opportunity to point out that he was happy that the European model of business excellence has for some time been gaining recognition in Slovenia.

He added however that it needed to be admitted that it was still not widespread and expressed his wish that more companies apply for the award.