AkzoNobel’s investor relations team won one of the top honors at the IR Magazine Awards – Europe 2014, held in London last night.

As well as being ranked number one in the Netherlands, the company was awarded first prize within Europe for making the most progress in investor relations during the last 12 months.

The winners were selected following a comprehensive research survey of 700 buy-side and sell-side analysts and portfolio managers across Europe.

“We’re very proud to have won this award for our investor relations,” said AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner. “This is the culmination of several years of concerted effort and demonstrates the importance we attach to making continuous improvements.”

“The fact that we were singled out by analysts and portfolio managers adds extra significance and is welcome recognition for the ongoing progress we are making.”

The jury comments made particular reference to the company’s focus on quality: “AkzoNobel consistently delivers relevant, quality information and provides frequent meetings with top management. The Investor Relations Office is first rate.”

More than 350 investor relations professionals attended last night’s event, held at Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane. In total, 32 prizes were handed out, including 17 pan-European awards, six regional awards and nine best in sector honors.