SPADEL IS ‘L’ENTREPRISE DE L’ANNÉE®’ 2017

Spadel is a European family operated business specialising in the production of natural mineral water, spring water and refreshing beverages made with natural water. The group markets six brands: Spa and Bru in the Benelux, Devin in Bulgaria, Wattwiller and Carola in France and Brecon Carreg in the United Kingdom. Spadel is the market leader in the Benelux and has a strong regional presence in France and the United Kingdom. The group currently has 1,287 employees and achieved a turnover of 250.4 million euros in 2016. Prime Minister Charles Michel, Wallonian Prime Minister Willy Borsus and Minister for Small Businesses, Self-employment, SMEs, Agriculture and Social Integration, Denis Ducarme, presented the trophy to Spadel CEO Marc du Bois.

The winner of ‘L’Entreprise Prometteuse de l’Année’ 2017 was also announced on the same evening. This year, the title went to Trasis, succeeding Real Impact Analytics, last year’s winner. The other nominees are: Edebex, Lasea and Redpharma. Gauthier Philippart, CEO of Trasis, received the award from Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Deputy Prime Minister of the Walloon government and Minister for the Economy, Industry, Computerisation, Digitalisation, Employment, Training and Education.

Trasis develops, manufactures and globally distributes radiopharma equipment which synthesises substances that can be used in the diagnosis of various types of cancers. This equipment also ensures that medical staff can administer these substances easily and safely. Trasis develops and optimises these synthesis methods to help make the latest developments in radiochemical diagnosis and treatment available to patients more quickly. With 45 employees, Trasis achieved a turnover of over 8.1 million euros in 2016.

Trophy with a global reach

EY has organised the ‘L’Entreprise de l’Année^®’ award since 1996. The award is designed to highlight companies from French-speaking Belgium that distinguish themselves through their innovative approach, internationalisation, entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, financial situation and determination in all circumstances.

“Spadel is a family operated business that attaches great importance to its values: passion, openness, proximity and progress. Spadel aims to develop a sustainable business in a sustainable world, and its strategy is entirely built around the vision, ‘Natural Hydration for a Healthy Tomorrow’. For this reason, the Spadel group was also voted one of the top 10 most sustainable businesses in Europe in 2014. This vision falls completely in line with what ‘L’Entreprise de l’Année®’ stands for”, explained Marie-Laure Moureau, partner at EY and responsible for the French-speaking market.

Spadel succeeds Daoust (2016), Pairi Daiza (2015), Belourthe (2014), Tilman (2013), TPF (2012), Hamon (2011), Exki (2010), Proximedia (2009), FIB Belgium (2008), Noukie’s (2007), Stûv (2006), Callataÿ & Wouters (Sopra Banking Software) (2005), Pharmadeal (Ashfield) (2004), Euroscreen (2003), I.R.I.S. Group (2002), Eurogentec (2001), EVS Broadcast Equipment (2000), IBA (1999), Ariane II (Sogeti Belgium) (1998), Moorkens Projects (1997) and DB Associates (Colliers International Belgium) (1996).

“The talented team, led by Marc du Bois, has managed to rejuvenate Spadel’s brands, make risky investments and let non-essential subsidiaries go. There were three reasons behind the jury’s decision: Firstly, Spadel’s environmentally-friendly innovation with a constant focus on sustainable development. Secondly, the importance of its strategic decision to expand internationally and finally, Spadel’s professional management, headed by a single person, who knows how to surround himself with the right people, listens and takes advice. This makes Spadel a fine example of ambition for companies in Wallonia and Brussels: a company that has grown from a small spring in the Fagnes region to one of the torchbearers in the agri-food sector in our regions,” highlighted Laurent Levaux, president of the jury.

Award for young company with strong growth potential

Since 2013, promising young businesses developing strongly in Brussels and Wallonia have been able to compete for the title ‘L’Entreprise Prometteuse de l’Année’. This year, the companies nominated are: Edebex, Lasea, Redpharma and Trasis. Trasis beat the other three companies to succeed Real Impact Analytics, the 2016 winner.

“The jury was particularly impressed with Trasis that systematically manages to make a profit and grow strongly. The company has invested continuously for several years in the niche radiopharma market, worth billions of euros, and in a short timespan has managed to become a well-established reference in the centres of European nuclear medicine. The ambition and leadership qualities of the two ‘project partners’ convinced us that they make an outstanding team. And that’s how they managed to develop Trasis into ‘L’Entreprise Prometteuse de l’Année’”, highlighted Baron Pierre Rion, President of the jury.