Four fast-growing and innovative firms last night won recognition last night at the inaugural Cleantech Connect 2009 awards ceremony.

Held in London’s St James’, the event was organised by GP Bullhound with Schroders Private Banking as a premium sponsor.

A 150-strong crowd of entrepreneurs and investors from Europe’s cleantech sector was on hand to see the award-winning companies announced. US vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors was also present to showcase it latest Tesla Roadster fuel-efficient car.

Winners of the Cleantech Connect 2009 Awards included:

• Fastest Growing Company: ClimateWell
• Uniqueness of Offering: MBA Polymers
• Vision & Future Growth Potential: Greenroad
• Best Management: Greengas
• Best Execution: Greengas

“We had a fantastic response to our call for entries for the Cleantech Connect 2009 Awards,” said Hugh Campbell, partner at GP Bullhound. “The quality of the entrants was exceptional. It is great to see Europe leading the way in the cleantech arena.”

The award winners were selected based on their annual revenue growth rate from 2006 to 2008, as well as on their future growth potential. The winning firms grew their revenues from €171 million in 2006 to €444 million in 2008.

Worldwide, some $23.9 billion was invested globally in the cleantech space by the third quarter of this year.