3i is once again sponsoring the UK NED Awards. The awards were launched in The Sunday Times on the 7th September, 2008. The aim of the awards is to identify the non executive directors and chairmen who have created exceptional value for the companies they represent.

As an investor, 3i recognises the enormous contribution a non executive director and chairman can make to the performance of a business and we are proud to sponsor these awards for the third year running. We are also delighted that 3i's Chairman, Baroness Hogg is again able to Chair the Judging Panel which includes senior representatives from The Sunday Times, Merrill Lynch, Pinsent Masons, KBC Peel Hunt, BDO Stoy Hayward among others.

The NED Awards are open to all qualifying directors and chairmen from any size of company across all sectors and businesses. Nominations can be made via the website. The closing date for nominations is 10 October and the results will be announced at the NED Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 4 February, 2009.

Last year's winners included Ishbel Macpherson, NED Hydrogen and Speedy Hire (Quoted company - Aim), Sir John Parker, Chairman of National Grid (quoted company - official list) and David Codling, Grp Chairman of Hozelock (Private Equity)

NED Awards website