The Belgium Best Managed Companies programme aims to inspire, celebrate, and build a community of private businesses that are creating a better future. A leading business programme, recognising excellence in private Belgian-owned companies, it celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and innovation of the private business community.

Companies undergo a rigorous application process and are judged on core business criteria across four pillars - Strategy, Capabilities, Commitment, and Financials - by an external panel of judges.

This prestigious designation becomes a fundamental part of who the Best Managed companies are and how they are perceived in their respective markets. As a member of the community, each company has an obligation to live and uphold the behaviours outlined in this Code.

The following four commitments illustrate the programme’s core expectations of Best Managed labelled companies:

1. Integrity

As a Best Managed company, we will act lawfully, honestly, ethically and with integrity towards our customers, employees, vendors, and stakeholders.

Best Managed companies are truthful and honest about the business information provided to the Best Managed programme:

• Best Managed companies must abide by Belgian and European laws
• Best Managed candidates will not exert undue influence upon programme coaches, sponsors, or judges
• Best Managed companies must update any change in business affecting their designation (ownership, financial, legal) when re-qualifying year over year

Treat interactions with programme sponsors, partners and their staff with the same honesty and integrity that you would apply within your own organisation.

2. Foster diversity, equity and inclusion

All Best Managed companies have a role to play in helping Belgium on the path to a more inclusive environment. As a member of this community, we foster a culture and working environment where people treat each other with respect, courtesy and fairness, promoting equal opportunity for all.

• Embed gender and diversity-smart approaches into recruitment & development, including performance management, promotion, succession and pay processes
• Implement employee assistance programmes related to diversity, equity inclusion and accessibility so employees can feel comfortable and bring their whole selves to work
• Provide flexible and accessible work arrangements and remote work opportunities where applicable

3. Commitment to upholding the standard of the Best Managed programme designation
through the four pillars

As a Best Managed company, we commit to upholding quality among the four pillars (Strategy, Capabilities, Commitment, and Financials), and the programme brand standards and identity.

Upholding brand standards

• The Best Managed designation represents strong private companies that are the economic engine of this country. The brand is a result of the outstanding companies in the programme and is recognised nationally (and internationally). As a Best Managed company, we agree to uphold this brand legacy and follow brand and logo guidelines.
• Uphold programme brand standards consistent with the four pillars (Strategy, Capabilities , Commitment & Financials)
• Proper use of current logo by awarded entity (see ‘Logo use with affiliated companies’).
• Proper use of designation naming convention – “Belgium Best Managed Companies”
• Logo use permitted for duration of programme year. Must be removed immediately should the company chose not to re-apply, or become ineligible

Commitment to upholding the standard of the Best Managed programme designation
through the four pillars

• Continuously evolve and improve upon your strategy
• Drive a culture of innovation and productivity
• Foster a purpose-led culture
• Put your customers and employees first
• Drive year over year revenue growth through strong strategy, governance and operational efficiency

4. Best Managed community role model

We commit to participate in the Best Managed community through programme activities & events, while treating all members with dignity and respect. We also commit to be a respectable citizen within society and doing our part to build a positive future for Belgium’s economy.

• Participate in Best Managed programming and events
• Act as a mentor to new members of the Best Managed community
• Engage in social media conversation with Best Managed community (#BestManaged)
• Act as a Best Managed brand ambassador, abiding by the terms under ‘Upholding brand standards’
• Contribute to Best Managed objective of ‘making all businesses better’ by participating in research (i.e., surveys, case studies), panels and speaking opportunities 
  

Download the Code of Conduct as a pdf document

Belgium Best Managed Companies is a programme that aims to challenge and recognise the overall strength of successful privately-owned companies, while coaching and recognising their leadership teams. 

1. Belgium Best Managed Companies programme is open to all companies who satisfy the eligibility criteria.
2. Companies will need to complete a Phase I application form to confirm eligibility via a secure online website.
3. Applicants will be required to confirm that the information contained in their application form is accurate, and that they have obtained all necessary authorisations, including consents, to permit handling of this information, in accordance with the Belgium Best Managed Companies programme Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
4. The closing date for receipt of Phase I 18:00 on Friday, October 10, 2025.
5. Applicants that successfully pass Phase I will be notified and invited to proceed to Phase II. Phase II will include an in-depth application and Coach meetings. During the coach meetings, Deloitte trained coaches will collaborate with your executive team and focus on key elements of what it takes to be Best Managed.
6. The closing date for receipt of Phase II submissions is 18:00 on Friday, February 13, 2026.
7. The Best Managed applicants will be reviewed during a judging process including a review by an external and independent judging panel consisting of Belgian Captains of Industry. Companies will be evaluated against the global Best Managed Companies framework in which management abilities and practices are assessed in the following domains: clear strategy, strong capabilities, company commitment and financial performance. The judging panel reserves the right to de-select an application at any stage of the programme.
8. The jury decision of Belgium Best Managed Companies is based on the information provided by the applicant within the self-assessment, commentary provided by their coaches, and information found during background checks. The applicant remains responsible for the provided information. At no times, should the jury’s decision be interpreted as a professional attestation or opinion based on the necessary audit steps. The judging panel’s decision, regarding the label of the Best Managed Companies programme and the companies that will be labelled, is indisputable.
9. The Best Managed Companies will be announced publicly on Thursday 21 May 2026.
10. Applicants agree that Deloitte may incorporate a link to their corporate website on https://www.deloitte.com/be/en/services/deloitte-private/services/best-managed-companies.html if they are labelled as a Best Managed Company.
11. Belgium Best Managed Companies programme respects the privacy of applicants and their identified contacts and has put in place processes to support this. Individuals may review, update and correct their personal information, and request removal from the mailing list.
    

Download the Rules of the programme as pdf document

Download our Terms and Conditions for detailed information regarding the terms and conditions of the Best Managed Companies programme.