Belgium Best Managed Companies

The global framework for Best Managed Companies

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

The programme was established in Canada in 1993 where it has been run successfully ever since, and has become the country’s leading business awards programme. Launched in Belgium in 2017, the programme is active in 46 countries and counting.

What constitutes a Best Managed Company?

Deloitte has found that four leading practices are adopted by Best Managed Companies, setting them apart from the average and ensuring that they sustain exceptional performance.

An independent jury of academics and entrepreneurs evaluates applicants against the following pillars:
 

Strategy

Alignment & implementation

Best Managed Companies apply a formal methodology for strategy development, execute strategy through strong governance, implement programme management and metrics to measure progress, and clearly and consistently communicate the strategy internally and externally.
 

Capabilities

Assets & innovation

Best Managed Companies seek to think differently relative to their competitors and focus on embracing innovation and efficiency, develop skills through partnerships, and focus on attracting and retaining the right people internally.
 

Commitment

Talent engagement & leadership

Best Managed Companies focus on building a ‘one-team’ culture, promote desired behaviour through an effective performance management process and holistic compensation package, and address succession planning by investing in the NextGen.
 

Financial

Business insights & governance

Best Managed Companies grow and maintain strong P&L and balance sheets, apply key customised metrics, install a mature reporting system to drive business decisions, and build and sustain strong relationships with financial stakeholders.

How to become a Best Managed Company?

Who can apply?

Companies that wish to enter the programme must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Turnover in excess of €25 million
• Established for at least five years
• More than 25 full-time employees
• Majority stake (> 60%) owned by Belgian residents or entities
• HQ or major decision centre in Belgium (operations can be abroad)
• Fully compliant from legal, tax and ethical perspective
• Managing finances effectively, adapting to changing market conditions, over the past three financial years
• Strong governance structure (cf. active advisory board/board of directors)

Companies that do not yet meet all the programme criteria can take part in the Best Managed Labs.
 

The following companies are ineligible:
 

Credit institutions, banks, insurance companies, co-ops, SEC (Securities and exchange commission) regulated companies (e.g., SEC registrants and their affiliates), companies active in the gambling industry, Belgian subsidiaries of foreign multinationals, government-owned entities/public sector agencies, charities and not-for-profit organisations and their affiliates and subsidiaries
 

The application process?

To be considered for Best Managed Companies, new applicants must go through a two phase application process.
 

Step 1: Register for the programme (Phase 1)

Register for the programme by completing the Phase 1 online application form by Monday 7 October 2024. All companies deemed eligible are then invited to complete a further more detailed submission.
 

Step 2: Complete your submission (Phase 2)

Companies shortlisted for the Phase 2 process will work with coaches from Deloitte Private and the programme partners to complete their submission by 17 February 2025.
 

Step 3: Review of your submission

Submissions are reviewed by coaches and an independent judging panel.
 

Step 4: Awarding

Laureates are announced at the gala event that will take place on 22 May 2025.
 

Learn more about the rules of the programme

What’s in it for your company?

There are obvious benefits to receiving any award but the Belgium Best Managed Companies label offers some unique opportunities.
 

The benefit of applying

• Coaching your way to success: One to one coaching from Deloitte Private professionals to conduct a detailed self-analysis of your business, focusing on strategic and operational issues, and to help you complete the Best Managed Companies application before it goes to the judging panel.
• Excellent opportunity to review and re-evaluate your business strategy and help with a future development path for your organisation.
• Professional development at the Belgium Best Managed Companies Convention featuring the latest in business leadership and cutting-edge thinking.
• Shine a light on current best practices and areas for improvement.
   

The benefit of receiving the label

• Increased market visibility and credibility through the exclusive usage of the Belgium Best Managed Companies quality designation/logo.
• Extensive media and online exposure.
• Access to networking opportunities with other exceptional business leaders to learn from peers and share best practices.
• Benchmark your organisation against other strong private companies.
• Strengthened ability to attract and retain talent.
• Recognition by business influencers at an exclusive gala celebration.
• Celebrate the efforts and commitment of your entire company.

A select group of industry captains

The Belgium Best Managed Companies applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that decides which companies will be recognised with the ‘Best Managed’ designation.

1. Koenraad Debackere
   Professor at KU Leuven and Chair of KBC Group
   
   Koen has been the general manager of KU Leuven for more than 10 years, steering the operational part of the university. He is also a director of KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) that advances the impact of research results on people's lives around the globe. He is also the Chairman of KBC Group.
2. Carl Dewulf
   CEO of LVD Group
   
   Carl is CEO of LVD Group, a family-owned business established in 1952. As a member of the second generation, he has helped to grow the firm into a globally recognized leader in sheet metalworking technologies. Carl is also a board member and strategic advisor to several tech firms, and active in advancing the manufacturing industry through his work with AGORIA, VOKA and CECIMO.  
3. Rik Jacob
   Former CEO of Ardo
   
   Rik, former CEO of Dujardin, successfully guided the company in the merger with Ardo in 2014. Nowadays, Ardo is a global player and offers high quality frozen vegetables, herbs and fruit around the world.
4. Geert Noels
   CEO and Chief Economist Econopolis
   
   Geert is a macro-economist and a much sought after commentator on financial and economic matters. Econopolis, an independent asset management and economic consultancy company. He is the writer of the book Econoshock and Gigantism.
5. Victoria Vandeputte
   CIO at Diversi Foods and Board Member of AvH.
   
   Victoria is Chief Innovation Officer of Martin Braun. With 25 years of international experience in the Food and Chemical industry, she drives sustainable growth with innovative solutions that add value for customers and consumers. Victoria is a member of the board of directors of Ackermans & van Haaren and Acomo.

2024 Belgium Best Managed Companies

The Belgium Best Managed Companies programme is proud to announce its 2024 laureates. These 29 private Belgian companies are being recognised for operating at the highest standards of business performance.
 

• Aertssen Group
• Alides
• Aqualex
• Beddeleem
• Belgian Pork Group
• CE+T Group
• E.D.&A.
• EASI
• Easyfairs
• Elneo
• Eloy 
• Golazo
• Leonidas
• Locinox
• LVD Group
• N-SIDE
• Provan
• QbD Group
• Soudal
• Sprimoglass
• Stadsbader
• Technord
• Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
• Vandenbussche
• Vandersanden Group
• Vanheede Environment Group
• Verhelst Group
• Woodstoxx
• Zuidnatie
  

Connecting the best

The laureates become part of the Best Managed community, a local and global network of companies that have achieved this mark of business success. The programme is active in 46 countries and counting.
 

Successful new entrants to the programme are awarded as New laureates and join the exclusive Best Managed Community. The network is made up of requalifying laureates including those that have been awarded with the Gold and Platinum laureates.
 

Laureates have access to attend the programme's year round events including CEO roundtables, webinars, networking events and the Best Managed Companies Symposium and Gala.