Online recruitment firm Saongroup, State-owned forestry company Coillte and CCTV remote monitoring business Netwatch are among the 11 Irish companies selected as national champions for Ireland in the European Business Awards.

The businesses will now go forward to the next round of the 2012/2013 awards programme, where they will compete with the best of Europe for top honours.

Judges made up of Europe-wide business leaders, academics and entrepreneurs will assess the national champions between now and April 2013 when the overall European Business Award winners will be announced.

Founded in 2007, the awards showcase Europe’s most successful and innovative businesses from a diverse range of industries.