Hellenic Business Awards 2026 Des Interactive European School: Best Bilingual IB School 2026 - Attica Featuring: Best Tourism Recruitment Agency 2026 & Ukrainian Employment Support Excellence Award 2026
AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. EU Business News is delighted to launch the Hellenic Business Awards 2026, an exciting programme created to honour the exceptional organisations and individuals helping to shape the future of business across Greece. Designed to recognise achievement across the nation’s broad commercial landscape, these awards celebrate everyone from pioneering start-ups and innovative SMEs to established corporations and specialist service providers that continue to raise standards within their respective industries. Driving the Future of Greek Enterprise Greece’s business environment has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, emerging stronger, more agile, and increasingly attractive to international investors. As one of Southern Europe’s most strategically positioned economies, Greece benefits from strong trade links, a highly skilled workforce, and growing confidence across both domestic and international markets. Backed by substantial EU funding programmes, Greece is accelerating growth across highpotential sectors including renewable energy, shipping and logistics, tourism, fintech, and property development. Innovation is at the heart of this impressive progress. Businesses across the country are embracing digital transformation, adopting smarter operational technologies, and investing in sustainable business models to remain competitive in an increasingly globalised economy. The Hellenic Business Awards 2026 will recognise the organisations and professionals embracing this forward-thinking spirit – spotlighting those demonstrating resilience and commercial excellence while contributing to Greece’s continued economic and technological advancement. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.eubusinessnews.com Hellenic Business Awards 2026
5. R.L. Hiring Greece Ltd: Best Tourism Recruitment Agency 2026 & Ukrainian Employment Support Excellence Award 2026 6. ProMatCon: Best Passive Fire Protection Company 2026 8. Doufexis Travel Services: Best Incoming Tour Operator 2026 – Peloponnese 10. Premier Fire: Most Innovative Safety Services Company 2026 12. DES Interactive European School: Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica 14. ATLAS E.P: Leading Innovators in Universal Accessibility 2026 15. ifly S.A: Most Trusted Private Aviation Operator 2026 & Aviation Safety & Operational Excellence Award 2026 16. Trekking Hellas: Most Trusted Adventure Travel Operator 2026 & Outdoor Tourism Education & Community Impact Award 2026 17. Skopelos Cottages: Best Heritage Holiday Accommodations 2026 – Skopelos Island 18. Maison Simone: Best Luxury Private Villa 2026 – Tinos 19. A Safety: Most Trusted Emerging Occupational Health & Safety Consultancy 2026 20. DNA Sequence SRL: Most Innovative Bioinformatics Platform 2026: OboroBio 21. Snappi: Community Focused Financial Wellbeing Hub 2026 – Athens 22. JEPA S.A: Mission Critical Engineering Consultancy of the Year 2026 23. Dental Center 92: Dental Clinic of the Year 2026 – Attica 24. Geomeletitiki SA: Best Geoinformatics & Infrastructure Consultancy of 2026 25. White Veil Venue and Facilities Management S.A. / Telekom Center Athens: Best Sports Venue 2026 – Athens & Venue Transformation Excellence Award 2026 – Athens Contents
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Jul22493 5. The hospitality and tourism sector in Greece is one of the most competitive in Europe, with the industry making up approximately 20% of the country’s total national employment. Recognising the demand for talented, reliable, and personable staff in these environments, Hiring Greece today serves as the premier recruitment agency for this field in its namesake country. As it is named here in the Hellenic Business Awards 2026, we caught up with Roberta Lekeviciute, company owner and sales director, for more on how Hiring Greece brings people luck. Hiring Greece is the leading tourism and hospitality recruitment agency in Greece, proudly partnering with more than 120 properties throughout the country, many of which belong to the most acclaimed hotel chains in the Hellenic region. The agency’s work takes it across Greece’s premier island destinations, from Rhodes and Crete to Kos and Corfu. In all of these locations, it bridges the talent gap in the tourism sector by sourcing experienced professionals from across Europe, including Ukraine. To guarantee the highest standards across the professionals it sources, Hiring Greece sees every candidate undergo a rigorous personal vetting and interview process. This is the foundation of the enduring partnerships it builds with clients, with these being rooted in trust and an ability to deliver an unrivalled service that elevates their brand. Guided by its core mission of connecting premier Greek hotel brands with experienced, high-calibre professionals from across Europe, Hiring Greece has seen rapid growth and deep trust nurtured with the country’s hospitality industry. The agency is incredibly proud of this distinction, as well as the fact that it has been named as one of the most trusted recruitment agencies in Ukraine as a result of the work it has been able to secure for citizens during what is an incredibly trying time for the nation. Greek media has also caught wind of the impactful work Hiring Greece is doing, resulting in features with prominent national publications like ‘Χρήμα & Τουρισμός’ (Money & Tourism). Recognition here in the inaugural Hellenic Business Awards only adds to the agency’s prestige, with the appreciation it is receiving both at home and abroad showing that the personalised, hands-on approach Roberta and her team deliver is resonating in a market where excellence is the standard upheld. As for why Greek tourist hotspots like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kos continue to trust Hiring Greece with getting them the professionals they need to serve the millions of tourists passing through every year, Roberta explained: “Our [Greece’s] strength is a unique combination of unrivalled geographical appeal and a deeply ingrained culture of hospitality. However, rapid corporate growth has brought with it a significant challenge: a domestic talent deficit. That is where the modern corporate structure of Greece shows its adaptability.” She continued: “By embracing international recruitment and creating multicultural environments, Greek businesses are successfully bridging the gap. As an agency, our strength lies in fuelling this corporate engine with pre-vetted talent, ensuring that the country’s massive tourism momentum remains supported by premium operational execution.” Of course, volume alone is not enough. Many agencies can send candidates the way of their clients, but what makes Hiring Greece stand out is that it is truly uncompromising in its approach, sidestepping the automated algorithms many of its contemporaries lean on to instead personally vet and interview every candidate themselves. This is just the beginning, as the team will also personally visit all of the locations they serve to resolve any issues that arise in person. “We don’t just fill vacancies; we protect our clients’ brand reputations throughout the entire season.” Such rigour in its approach also aligns Hiring Greece with the country’s wider tourism market, which is rapidly transforming it into a luxury, high-value destination. This has seen the demand for professional hospitality staff soar. With the traditional tourist season also getting longer, as hotels open earlier and close later, they need stable and experienced teams fast, rather than relying on temporary fixes to get them through the year. As a result of this, Roberta added: “Looking ahead, the future of Greek hospitality relies on international talent. Sourcing skilled professionals from Europe and Ukraine is becoming the new standard for premium resorts.” Thus, for hotels looking to tap into this and ensure a smooth, easy-going, stress-free season, Hiring Greece is the only way to go. Contact: Roberta Lekeviciute Company: R.L. Hiring Greece Ltd Web Address: www.hiringgreece.com Best Tourism Recruitment Agency 2026 & Ukrainian Employment Support Excellence Award 2026
Hellenic Business Awards 2026 Located in Glyfada, ProMatCon specialises in passive fire protection systems. The contracting company was established in 2005 as a sole proprietorship, and has been carrying out the certified, specificationcompliant construction of all fire protection services since 2008. Its operations span tunnel fire protection, refinery fire protection, and buildings of every use, including offices, hospitals, hotels, data centres, factories, and more. Sister company ProMat-Tech, on the other hand, is a trading company. Using its own dedicated workforce, ProMatTech specialises primarily in the certified installation of passive fire protection systems. It oversees the supply and distribution of fire protection products, technical support, and, on a smaller scale, the installation and certification of systems on project throughout Greece. Together, ProMatCon and ProMatTech represent PROMAT and PIROSYSTEM products and certified applications in Greece. PROMAT is widely regarded as the worldwide leader in passive fire protection and highperformance insulation, and has been designing, testing, and manufacturing specialist fire protection systems for more than six decades. The company stands as ProMatCon’s main vendor for structural fire protection systems, offering solutions such as fire rated walls, ceilings, smoke and air extraction, steel protection, cable ducts, fire sealing of joints, and E-M penetrations. PIROSYSTEM is a Polish manufacturer of fire protection systems for buildings. With more than 30 years of industry experience and extensive expertise, the company has developed and implemented a complete system of innovative products, including Best Passive Fire Protection Company 2026 Passive fire protection is a crucial component of construction, playing an instrumental role in slowing the speed and spread of fire and smoke, protecting safety roots, and preserving the structural integrity of a building. No company recognises this more than ProMatCon, a worldwide leader in the critical field of passive fire protection. With its name standing for Professional Materials Construction, ProMatCon draws upon more than six decades of experience to deliver certified fire protection systems to a wide range of clients across Greece. We took a closer look at this standout service below, as ProMatCon is named in the Hellenic Business Awards 2026. fire collars, fire-resistant pastes, service penetration seals, construction joints, door seals, and ventilation openings. The company is present in most European Union countries and holds certifications for its products meeting the highest European standards. These invaluable partnerships play an instrumental role in enabling ProMatCon to introduce leading innovations in passive fire protection to the Greek market. As a PROMAT-Recognised Contractor, PROMATRecognised Applicator, and PIROSYSTEM Licensee, ProMatCon offers an extensive range of 74 certified passive fire protection products encompassing 55 PROMAT products and 19 PIROSYSTEM products. Each solution and system is certified to international standards such as EN, DIN 4102, BS 476, ASTM E119, AS 1530, and ISO. This product line includes PROMATECT® calcium silicate boards for fire-rated partitions, ceilings, ducts, and structural protection. These fire protection boards are rated A1 Non-Combustible, with fire resistance of up to EI 240, and comprise the PROMATECT®-100, PROMATECT®- 100X, PROMATECT®-200, PROMATECT®-H, PROMATECT®-L, PROMATECT®-L500, PROMATECT®-AD, PROMATECT®-XS, MASTERBOARD®, DURASTEEL®, PROMASIL® 1000, PROMATECT®-T, PROMATECT®-T-FX, and PROMATECT®-H RWS/HCM. This offering is paired with a complete range of adhesives, impregnations, and finishing materials designed for the certified installation of PROMAT board systems. Promat®-GLUE K84 is an inorganic fire-rated adhesive based on water glass and modified with special fillers; Promat®-Imprägnierung 2000 stabilises and protects the surface of fire protection boards before finishing; Promat®- SR-Imprägnierung reliably protects cementbonded silicate boards against aggressive media; and Promat®-Spachtelmasse is used for filling joints and finishing the surfaces of fire protection board systems. ProMatCon also offers spray-applied fireproofing mortars developed by PROMAT. PROMASPRAY®-P300 is a spray- or trowelapplied, single-package factory-controlled premix based on vermiculite and gum, while PROMASPRAY®-C450 is a lightweight cementitious spray-applied fire protection mortar for steel and concrete structures, also suitable for semi-exposed conditions. FENDOLITE® MII is a vermiculite-cement spray mortar for heavy industrial applications, while FENDOLIGHT® MII TG is a toughergrade version with improved mechanical resistance for applications exposed to vibration and mechanical stress. In the field of intumescent paints, ProMatCon offers PROMAPAINT®-SC3, a fibre-free water-based intumescent paint; PROMAPAINT®-SC4, a higher-performance intumescent paint; PROMADUR®, a transparent intumescent paint for timber; and PROMADUR® Topcoat, a protective finish for PROMADUR®. From PIROSYSTEM, the company offers Flame Stal Fireproof Solvent, a solvent-based intumescent coating designed for the protection of steel structures. When it comes to firestopping and sealants, ProMatCon boasts the complete PROMASTOP®, PROMASEAL®, and PIROSYSTEM firestopping range. This extensive range of more than 30 essential products includes coatings, sealants, foams, pillows, intumescent wraps, mastics, silicones, strips, foams, pastes, and paints
7. Best Passive Fire Protection Company 2026 for sealing cable and pipe penetrations up to EI 240. With such a wide range of products from the world’s leading passive fire safety specialists, ProMatCon has risen to stand as a key player in the passive fire safety industry. As for fire collars and wraps, ProMatCon offers PROMASTOP® and PIRO COLLAR® fire collars for plastic pipes of every diameter – from 25mm to 950mm – intumescent tapes, and wraps. From PROMAT, the company offers the PROMASTOP®-FC range, and the PROMASTOP® UniCollar®. From PIROSYSTEM, it boasts the Piro Collar PC range, as well as expansion anchor bolts, Piro MULTITUBE PM, Piro Wrap PW, and Epipe Fire Duct. Finally, customers can turn to ProMatCon for all fire-rated glass needs. PROMAGLAS® is laminated glazing that consists of several glass panes with fire-resistant interlayers that form a highly efficient opaque insulation barrier that blocks thermal radiation. Promat®-SYSTEMGLAS, on the other hand, is a composite of several glass panes with fire protection interlayers that expand in the event of a fire, enabling continuous-glazed surfaces with minimal visible framing. Each of these systems play an instrumental role in passive fire protection across a wide range of applications and industries, from compartmentation, ductwork, and structural protection to combined ventilation systems, renovations and retrofits, and hospitality. ProMatCon has undertaken a number of construction works in renovations, refits, and new builds with associate engineers to ensure fire protection is designed alongside the building, and has also carried out countless fire protection works in major hotels across Greece. ProMatCon has completed more than 450 projects to date, spanning hospitality, retail, corporate, industrial, pharmaceutical, residential, infrastructure, healthcare, culture, and education sectors. These prestigious projects include the Riviera Tower and new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in the Ellinikon area of Athens; hotels such as Costa Navarino, The Ilisian, Blue Palance, Intercontinental, and more; Data4 Data Center Paiania and Data Center Koropi; the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center; and major infrastructure such as the Katerini Tunnel requalification. For over two decades, ProMatCon has supplied and installed industry-leading systems to promote exceptional passive fire protection across a wide array of industries and applications. The company has successfully cemented itself as a trusted fire protection partner to clients throughout Greece, raising awareness of the importance of adequate fire protection measures in any setting. With an unrivalled solution for every fire protection requirement, a dedicated team of technical experts, and the unwavering trust of industry-leading manufacturers, ProMatCon has certainly earned its status as the Best Passive Fire Protection Company 2026. Contact: Andreas Olympiou Company: ProMatCon Web Address: www.promatcon.gr
Jul22546 Hellenic Business Awards 2026 “Discover the best of the Peloponnese.” Proudly based in Messinia, Doufexis Travel Services is an established and trusted incoming travel agency. Since its founding in 1994, the agency has been on a mission to deliver personalised, highquality travel services to tour operators, independent travellers, and corporate clients alike. Renowned for offering a seamless and reliable experience for every visitor it serves, Doufexis Travel Services has built its reputation on efficiency, flexibility, and an unwavering client-first mindset. Boasting a long-standing presence within the travel industry, Doufexis Travel Services is a member of the General Panhellenic Federation of Tourism Enterprises, the Hellenic Association of Tourism Enterprises in Outdoor Activities, and the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies. The agency is a trusted partner to leading tour operators around the world, including Olympic Holidays, Jet2holidays, Simpson Travel, Sunweb Group, Ross Holidays, Apollo Travel Group, Ibusz Utazasi Irodak, and many more. With such a strong network of invaluable partners, Doufexis Travel Services’ operations span across the Peloponnese, with locations including Ancient Messini, Koroni, Pylos, Nafplio, Sparta, Areopoli, Corinth Canal, Aldemar Olympian Village, Kyparissia, Elafonisos, Porto Heli, Costa Navarino, and many more. The agency works alongside Athens International Airport, Kalamata Airport, and Araxos Aiport, as well as ports located in Piraeus, Rafina, Kyllini, Katakolo, Patra, Nafplio, and Gythio. Doufexis Travel Services is dedicated to delivering exceptional support to every tour operator it serves. The agency has built each professional relationship on mutual trust and shared goals, ensuring the long-term success and sustainable growth of its partners. Its team handles all incoming service needs, including transfers, land and sea excursions, and full representation support across its destinations, offering personalised travel products with unrivalled speed, flexibility, and efficiency. Whether a client is preparing to explore the region whilst on vacation, attending a conference, or organising a group event, Doufexis Travel Services offers dependable, high-quality transfer services. The agency operates its own diverse fleet of modern vehicles with varying capacities, each complete with a professional driver. This fleet encompasses Sedan, electric, and limo cars, executive and premium minivans, comfortable minibuses, and full-sized coaches for large groups. Best Incoming Tour Operator 2026 – Peloponnese One of Greece’s most captivating regions, the Peloponnese is the birthplace to some of the country’s most influential civilisations, including the Ancient Olympic Games and the legendary kingdom of Mycenae. The region offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that appeals to discerning travellers from around the world. Doufexis Travel Services is the travel industry’s go-to partner for authentic Greek experiences in the heart of the Peloponnese, offering dedicated services spanning from airport pickups to curated excursions and full destination management. We took a closer look at these outstanding offerings below, as Doufexis Travel Services earns applause in the Hellenic Business Awards 2026. Contact: Alex Rousis Company: Doufexis Travel Services Web Address: www.doufexis.com
9. Each vehicle fully complies with all Greek legal requirements and European safety regulations, undergoing regular safety inspections to ensure the highest standards of maintenance and reliability. This expansive fleet enables the team to support a wide range of transportation requirements, including airport transfers, hotel transfers, tailored sightseeing daytrips, multi-day tours across the Peloponnese, group transfers for corporate events, VIP meet and greet services, and private chauffer services. At its core, Doufexis Travel Services believes that travel should be meaningful. An unwavering commitment to this belief propels its team to design every service and itinerary around the unique needs and expectations of each client, directly aligning their experience with their taste. Whether serving a tour operator managing a group or a traveller seeking tailored travel experiences, Doufexis Travel Services’ approach ensures attention to detail, hospitality, and expert support every step of the way. Clients are invited to embark on meticulously curated coach tours that blend history, culture, and natural beauty to offer an authentic glimpse into the Peloponnese. Led by knowledgeable escorts, travellers will have an insider’s perspective as they explore charming villages, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks, starting from Stoupa, Kardamyli, Agios Nikolaos, Kalamata, Finikoundra, Methoni, Chranoi, Petalidi, Gialova, Costa Navarino, Koroni, Kyparissia, Kalo Nero, and more. For travellers seeking a more individual experience, Doufexis Travel Services also arranges private excursions across the region, with the option of an expert escort upon request. The agency creates a fully customised experience tailored to each client’s unique interests and preferred itinerary, with excursions including visits to ancient sites and museums, watersports and scuba diving, wine and olive oil tastings, visits to Spetses Island, beach exploration, boat trips and sailing, food experiences, hiking and cycling, horse riding, and sporting excursions. What’s more, Doufexis Travel Services has created the Peloponnese Grand Tour, a masterfully curated seven-night package that immerses guests in the culture, heritage, and coastal lifestyle of the Peloponnese. This package includes accommodation and villas; airport transfers; exclusive guided excursions; wine and food tastings; a day visit to Spetses Island; sightseeing in Nafplio and Kalamata; visits to the castles of Pylos, Methoni, and Koroni; a trip to Mycenae, Sparta, Ancient Olympia, and the medieval town of Monemvasia; and a visit to the Epidaurus Theatre. Doufexis Travel Services also offers dedicated services through its M.I.C.E. and DMC Services team, who bring a wealth of experience in planning and executing high-quality weddings, corporate events, and special group occasions throughout the Peloponnese. Catering to private and corporate clients alike, Doufexis Travel Services offers seamless logistical support for incentives and business trips; corporate groups, conferences, and events; gala dinners, parties, and weddings; and special interest tours, with accommodation and transfers arranged upon request. For over three decades, Doufexis Travel Services has enabled travellers from around the world to experience the authentic beauty and culture of the Peloponnese. Through its dedicated customer service, tailored excursions, and unwavering passion for the region, Doufexis Travel Services has earned the trust of countless corporate clients, tour operators and tourists worldwide. We at EU Business News Magazine are delighted to recognise Doufexis Travel Services in the Hellenic Business Awards 2026, as the agency cements its position as the Peloponnese’s Best Incoming Tour Operator 2026.
Hellenic Business Awards 2026 Most Innovative Safety Services Company 2026 “Our mission is simple: to protect people, property, and operations by providing professional emergency response capability wherever the risk demands it.” Premier Fire is a specialist private fire, rescue, and safety services company located in Nea Erythraia, Athens, Greece. The company provides professional emergency response, fire safety, rescue, and medical support to clients operating in environments where conventional fire safety provision is not sufficient. It brings together operational firefighting experience, specialist rescue capability, appropriate vehicles and equipment, risk management, and professional planning into a single integrated service. This work spans industrial facilities, construction and infrastructure projects, shipyards and marine operations, mining, high-risk maintenance works, film and television productions, major events and other complex environments. Premier Fire serves a wide range of clients, from international production companies and major industrial organisations to event organisers, contractors, and private organisations requiring a professional, dedicated emergency response capability. “Our job is firstly to help prevent incidents, but when something does happen, our personnel are already there, equipped and prepared to intervene immediately. In a serious incident, those first few minutes can make an enormous difference.” At its core, Premier Fire believes that private fire and rescue provision should be Any organisation can technically satisfy fire safety compliance requirements by having extinguishers, procedures, or designated personnel in place, but that does not necessarily mean that it has the capability to deal effectively with a developing fire, trapped casualty, vehicle collision, or complex rescue incident. Enter Premier Fire, a company operating in the space between prevention and the arrival of statutory emergency services by delivering unrivalled private fire and rescue provision. We heard more from CoFounder and Managing Director Kimon Pantelides below, as Premier Fire is named in the Hellenic Business Awards 2026. held to the same high standards expected of professional emergency services. The company’s goal, therefore, is to go beyond placing personnel and equipment on a site, providing a credible emergency capability that clients can rely upon when it matters. Depending on the project, this can include dedicated fire crews and appliances, fire watch, road traffic collision rescue, rope rescue, confined-space rescue, medical provision, fire risk assessment, and emergency planning. “Our principal differentiator is that fire and rescue is our core business rather than an ancillary service,” Kimon told us. “Premier Fire was built around operational emergency response. We combine experienced firefighters and rescue personnel with specialist vehicles, professional firefighting and rescue equipment, appropriate PPE, management systems, and liability insurance. We can therefore provide clients with an integrated capability rather than simply supplying personnel to satisfy contractual requirement.” In emergency response, equipment alone is never enough. Personnel need to understand both their individual responsibilities and how they operate as part of a team under pressure. Premier Fire therefore places considerable emphasis on selecting people with the right operational mindset as well as the necessary technical experience, with its team made up of dedicated professionals boasting backgrounds in firefighting, emergency response, and specialist rescue. Training and operational learning are central to this. Premier Fire regularly reviews incidents and near-misses, shares lessons between its teams, and continually assesses procedures and equipment against the environments in which it operates. The company also invests in professional PPE, specialist equipment, and vehicles, recognising that personnel cannot be expected to perform professionally without being properly equipped for the role. “At the same time, we encourage staff to identify hazards and challenge unsafe practices,” added Kimon. “Regardless of role or seniority, if somebody sees something that could compromise safety, Contact: Kimon Pantelides Company: Premier Fire Web Address: www.premierfire.gr
they are expected to speak up. Ultimately, our objective is to create teams that clients trust but, equally importantly, that our own personnel would trust beside them during a real emergency.” This approach comes at a time when the industry is experiencing a clear shift from basic compliance towards risk-based emergency preparedness. Increasingly, sophisticated clients are asking more detailed questions regarding the responders, their qualifications, the available equipment, the rescue plan, the speed of intervention, provider insurance, and what will happen if an incident escalates. This shift has been particularly evident among multinational companies and organisations operating in higher-risk industrial environments. Concurrently, Premier Fire has also observed increasing demand for multidisciplinary response teams. Clients do not necessarily want separate contractors for fire, rescue, and medical provision; they now value integrated teams capable of managing the initial stages of a complex incident coherently. This is especially true in Greece, where continued investment in energy, infrastructure, mining, industrial facilities, maritime operations, audiovisual production, and large-scale events is creating greater demand for professional specialist emergency services. With this in mind, Premier Fire asserts that private emergency response should complement the work of Greece’s statutory emergency services. “Our role is not to replace them,” said Kimon. “It is to provide clients operating in higher-risk environments with an additional layer of dedicated, site-specific protection and an effective initial response until public emergency resources arrive and, where appropriate, to support them thereafter.” Technology will play an increasingly important role in this mission. Thermal imaging, drones, improved communications, digital incident reporting, data-led risk assessment, battery and electric-vehicle incident management, and improved rescue technology are all significantly reshaping the way emergency response is delivered. Furthermore, lithium-ion battery risks, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and renewableenergy infrastructure are all areas that Premier Fire expects to become particularly important in the coming years. Looking ahead, the remainder of 2026 and the years ahead are focused on developing Premier Fire from a specialist provider into Greece’s leading private fire and rescue organisation. The team is continuing to expand its industrial and specialist rescue capabilities, particularly in the fields of confined-space rescue, rope rescue, road traffic collision response, and heavy rescue. Premier Fire is also investing in vehicles, specialist equipment, and training to increase the range and complexity of incidents its team can manage. Industrial emergency response will be an important area of growth for Premier Fire. As investment continues across energy, mining, infrastructure, marine, and other technically demanding sectors, the team sees significant potential for professional dedicated fire and rescue teams operating alongside clients’ existing health and safety structures. The company is equally committed to the film, television, and events sectors, where Greece continues to attract increasingly ambitious international projects requiring providers who understand both production environments and operational emergency response. “Longer term, our ambition is to continue raising the standard of private fire and rescue provision in Greece and to develop capabilities that are comparable with specialist providers elsewhere in Europe,” shared Kimon. “Growth is important to us, but it must be sustainable. We will not expand into an area unless we believe we have the people, equipment, training, and management structures required to deliver it properly.” Premier Fire has significantly developed the scale and diversity of its operations since its inception in 2022. Its teams have supported major international film and television productions, complex industrial and mining environments, marine and shipyard operations, large public events, and specialist rescue operations throughout Greece. Now, the company will evolve strategically to meet the diverse needs of the market, whilst maintaining the same standards of service that have earned its recognition as the Most Innovative Safety Services Company 2026. Reflecting on Premier Fire’s success, Kimon concluded, “We are perhaps proudest of having helped establish a genuinely specialist private fire and rescue capability in a market where this type of service has historically been limited. We have demonstrated that private-sector emergency provision can be professional, properly equipped, insured, and operationally credible while complementing, rather than attempting to replace, the statutory emergency services. “Receiving this award is particularly meaningful to us because it recognises not only the growth of Premier Fire, but also the concept behind the company: that specialist private fire and rescue services can make workplaces, productions, events, and industrial operations in Greece safer.”
Hellenic Business Awards 2026 The first bilingual school in Greece to combine the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes with Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, DES Interactive European School offers rigorous, inquiry-led, student-centred learning. Its approach is grounded in the Greek educational context, international pedagogical practice, and the comprehensive IB framework. DES is currently authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the Diploma Programme to follow. By combining the rigour of the IB programmes with the Theory of Multiple Intelligences— which challenges the traditional view of general intelligence by arguing that people possess autonomous intelligences that interact and enable them to solve problems— DES creates an environment where every student is recognised as an individual and encouraged to love learning. Promoting these qualities in pupils, the future of our society, is one way Dr Billie Konstantara brings innovative models and theories into practice across the school. “At DES, innovation begins with a simple question: does this improve the way a child learns, belongs, or understands the world?” Today, the wider bilingual IB school comprises four separate campuses in the southern suburbs. Across its nursery, kindergarten, primary school, and middle school offerings, DES is home to approximately 450 students and 150 staff. Since its first location opened in 2004, DES has been on a mission to inspire young minds through a curriculum built around them and their growth. This is one reason it views all subjects as core subjects, whether sport, music, art, literature, languages, or maths Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica Based in Varkiza on the Athenian Riviera, DES Interactive European School is a leading bilingual English-Greek school. It welcomes children from nursery age through secondary education and has nurtured a genuinely international community representing almost 30 nationalities. Following its recognition as Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica at this year’s Hellenic Business Awards, we caught up with its founder and CEO, Dr Billie Konstantara, to find out more. At the heart of learning at DES are its campuses, which are much more than settings for teaching. An invaluable part of the curriculum, each location allows children to learn in classrooms, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Animal interactions and other unique experiences help them connect what they learn with the natural world. Recognising the diversity of their future studies and careers, DES also integrates technology, robotics, creativity, and social responsibility into its learning environment. Teaching at DES is guided by the school’s core values: intellectual curiosity, inclusion, responsibility, international-mindedness, and genuine care for each child. These values reflect a school that cares about more than results. Billie explained: “Our goal is not merely to prepare students for examinations. It is to develop knowledgeable, ethical, and emotionally secure young people who can think independently, collaborate across cultures, and contribute meaningfully to society.” Every member of staff at this IB PYP and MYP school in Greece works towards its mission of ensuring that every child is seen, understood, and appropriately challenged. The school sets high but achievable expectations, supported by close observation, strong relationships, and carefully differentiated teaching. As an international microschool on the Athenian Riviera, DES offers students a small learning community where teachers know them well and can respond quickly to their needs. Strong connections are also developed across subjects, age groups, and cultures. Initiatives such as the Bigs and Littles mentorship model translate this philosophy into daily practice by cultivating belonging, empathy, and responsibility across the school. DES also benefits from being part of institutions much larger than itself: its IB authorisations are complemented by its status as a Round Square Global Member school in Greece and its membership of the Microschool Network These are impressive achievements, but for Billie, the greatest source of pride comes from building DES into something human. She told us: “We have built a school in which children do not disappear into a system. They are known by name, recognised for their particular strengths, and supported as whole people.” This work is ongoing, and consistent results are achieved across year groups thanks to a coherent model in which elements such as nature-based international education are seamlessly integrated. Perhaps the main reason families choose DES, however, is the sense of trust the school fosters. By viewing education first and foremost as a relationship between students, educators, and parents, DES commits to giving every child an individual path. Students receive serious attention, appropriate challenge, and the confidence to develop an authentic voice. In a world shaped by AI, these qualities are increasingly important. Billie elaborated: “If information can be generated instantly, schools must become even more rigorous about source evaluation, academic integrity, conceptual understanding, and the distinctly human capacities of curiosity, ethical reasoning, and dialogue.” She believes technology should extend thought, not replace it. By focusing on areas such as bilingual education, continuity across international curricula, smaller learning communities, and student wellbeing, the school remains relevant in today’s everchanging world. The transformations in education brought about by AI are not all negative. When used responsibly, these tools can help teachers identify patterns and intervene earlier. Still, human relationships remain essential, and professional judgement will always be an important safeguard in schools. That is why the future of education, if done right, will not be less human. Rather, it DES: Where Learning is Serious Fun
13. Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica will allow institutions to be more attentive. As for its own future, the next step for this bilingual IB school in Athens is to prepare for the introduction of the IB Diploma Programme next year. This is the third stage of the IB continuum, following the PYP and MYP. To accommodate the programme, DES is also expanding its secondary provision by opening a high school. These are exciting times for DES, which seeks to grow only if it can preserve the coherence and culture of care that define a school where people and their personal journeys come first. Ultimately, DES Interactive European School is built on the idea that educational excellence is both measurable and deeply relational. Authorisations, academic outcomes, and awards—such as being named Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica at this year’s Hellenic Business Awards—are important, but only when they emerge from a culture of genuine excellence rather than a desire for recognition. Summing up the journey of this awardwinning bilingual school, Billie shared in closing: “DES is the story of a community seeking to reconcile qualities that are too often presented as opposites: international perspective and local identity, technological fluency and contact with nature, academic ambition and emotional safety, individual attention and social responsibility. Our recognition as Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica honours that philosophy, and the educators, students, and families who bring it to life each day.” Contact: Dr Billie Konstantara Company: DES Interactive European School Web address: https://www.deschool.eu/
14. Hellenic Business Awards 2026 An innovator in developing accessibility services, ATLAS E.P. champions universal accessibility, a practice that remains incredibly rare around the world. Essentially, this means ensuring that live music, dance, theatre, cinema, TV productions and so on are available to everyone by transforming sound into image and image into sound, amongst other things. As the team has been named a Leading Innovator in Universal Accessibility for 2026, we caught up with the woman at the helm, Emmanouela Patiniotaki, to find out more about the work the team is doing in venues and across entertainment platforms in Greece and abroad. Established in Greece in 2009 and in London in 2017, ATLAS E.P. moved back to Greece in 2021 and today operates in various sectors of the Greek market. It was founded by CEO Emmanouela Patiniotaki, a researcher and academic in the field of audiovisual translation and accessibility. She holds a PhD in the design of holistically accessible environments and developed the INCLUDE Framework for Universal Accessibility, which is applied in art, education and culture. While currently carrying out postdoctoral research in Reverse Accessibility, Emmanouela also works at ATLAS E.P. to provide services that offer equal linguistic and sensory access ethically, while respecting audiences and creators. At its core, ATLAS E.P. innovates in the realm of live performance and recorded content (TV, cinema, etc.), using state-of-the-art technology to depict audio channels for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This work draws on principles taught across musicology and deaf studies, fields in which Emmanouela and the other specialist professionals on the team are experts. This expertise allows them to improve ATLAS E.P.’s services based on real audience needs. ATLAS E.P. is also one of the few active companies working in the fields of audio description and audio subtitling to serve blind and visually impaired audiences. This work is carried out in a fully equipped studio that follows EBU standards. But this is just the beginning, as the team also provides a host of accessibility services, from audio description and audio subtitling to tactile tours, speech-to-text interpreting and multilingual localisation of the arts. These services provide equal access for audiences who do not speak the local language. They are complemented by general localisation services, such as interpreting and translation between languages, as well as research on accessibility and universal design. Combined, these services have resulted in more than 110,000 production minutes of TV subtitling, over 7,000 production minutes of audio-described TV, more than 350 theatre performances, and over 280 concerts, operas and other performances. ATLAS E.P. is a member of professional national and international organisations and fosters exclusive collaborations in accordance with their respective codes of conduct. Its work is both accredited and pioneering. “ATLAS E.P. is the first company offering live subtitling in Greece. After providing the service for many years at live events, it is now available for adaptation by television and cinema, as well as education.” One example of the innovations ATLAS E.P. delivers is Reverse Accessibility. This allows audience members to take part in forms of art that were traditionally inaccessible to them. It was first deployed at the Greek Opera House in a production of Konstantinos Rigos’ The Swan Lake. The idea is simple, but the results are extraordinary. The team is researching how Reverse Accessibility can be applied in a wide range of scenarios, making ballet and theatre accessible in many different ways. Emmanouela explained: “For example, blind people could understand what deaf actors who communicated only through sign language were saying and doing on stage.” This innovation is complemented by the ATLAS E.P. Accessibility Suite, a collection of tools for preparing accessibility services. A truly one-ofa-kind creation, the suite will be launched and presented at scientific conferences by the end of October 2026. Alongside developing and releasing these tools, ATLAS E.P. has also completed a range of stellar projects that demonstrate its standing in this space. These include making the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 an accessible TV concert for Greek public television. The team presented Greece’s entry, ‘Ferto’ by Akylas, in international signs and with English subtitles to make sure it could be accessed by everybody. With dozens of diverse and exciting projects under its belt already, ATLAS E.P. is looking ahead to a future with even more variety in its work, helping it reach more people through services that are transforming the way people consume media, art and performance. More information about the services delivered by ATLAS E.P.’s award-winning team can be found at the web address below. Contact: Emmanouela Patiniotaki Company: ATLAS E.P. Web Address: https://www.atlas-ep.com/ Leading Innovators in Universal Accessibility 2026
Aug22136 15. Most Trusted Private Aviation Operator 2026 & Aviation Safety & Operational Excellence Award 2026 The leading company for renting a helicopter or chartering a jet in Greece, ifly S.A. has more than 20 years of experience as a fully integrated aviation services provider to its name. Covering everything from the transportation to the aircraft maintenance in-house, ifly today serves more than 250 destinations across Greece and internationally, and caters to private individuals, corporate clients, and luxury hospitality partners alike. Spyros Vermpis, CBDO and BoD member at ifly, was on hand for more on its integrated luxury travel solutions. “Where every journey is as remarkable as the places you’ll discover.” Since Greece is made up of 227 inhabited islands, not to mention around 6,000 uninhabited ones, travelling from place to place across the country can pose quite a challenge. This is why ifly S.A. specialises in delivering premium air travel across Greece, covering mainland hotspots and major island destinations alike. Its fleet spans helicopters, jets, and turboprops, all of which offer the comfort, speed, flexibility, and safety its clients expect as standard. Be it the Agusta 109 series, the Cessna 550 Citation Bravo jet, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan turboprop, or any of the other aircraft comprising its luxury and reliable fleet, every vehicle ifly’s clients find themselves in will be maintained to the highest standards, thanks to its state-of-the-art maintenance base at Megara Airport, near Athens. This is the largest base of its kind in southeastern Europe, and a reflection of ifly’s dedication to always putting safety first and carrying out advanced aircraft maintenance right across its fleet. Encompassing a team of 74 professionals, more than 50,000 flight hours, and over 8,000 clients, ifly has long set the standard for private aviation services in Greece. Guided by its values of safety, reliability, discretion, a personalised service, ifly strives only to deliver seamless travel experiences that extend beyond the flight itself. In the field of private aviation, this is something that starts by combining safety and operational excellence with an entirely personalised client service. Between their journeys via the skies of Greece, clients enjoy the same commitment to luxury through iTransfer, the company’s airport transfer arm. With its luxury cars and minibuses here spanning the Mercedes V-Class, Vito, and Sprinter, in addition to the BMW X7 and BMW X5, quality is a given. All drivers are also multilingual, certified according to DDC and EMT standards, and boast years of experience delivering VIP services to government agencies and corporations. What makes ifly stand out is the fully integrated travel and premium service it offers, with its unrivalled aviation ecosystem seeing private flights, in-house maintenance, VIP airport services, ground transportation, and certified heliports effortlessly brought together, alongside partnerships with some of the leading luxury resorts the Hellenic region has to offer. This includes an exclusive collaboration with Amanzoe Resort Kranidi, which has lasted since the hotel opened its doors back in 2012. Exploring this integrated business model in more depth, Spyros told us: “Unlike operators focused solely on transportation, ifly combines private flights, in-house aircraft maintenance, VIP airport services, premium ground transportation through iTransfer, and a network of certified heliports managed by iHelipad. The effectiveness that ifly stands for across its entire aviation ecosystem can be attributed to its 74-member team, which brings together specialist pilots, certified engineers, and operational professionals, experts whose knowledge and experience is the foundation of the consistency, high standards, continuous development, and inter-departmental collaboration that has led to the company’s recognition here in the Hellenic Business Awards. As personalised, end-to-end travel experiences continue to dominate the private aviation industry, ifly’s Private jet charter and luxury helicopter are garnering acclaim, both in Greece and abroad. With plans also in place to strengthen its integrated aviation ecosystem through continued investment in infrastructure, people, and service capabilities, the ultimate aim for ifly remains to enhance the synergy that it has unlocked between private aviation, premium ground transportation, aircraft maintenance, and destination infrastructure. Covering all of the bases its clients could ever need in the realm of VIP aviation services, ifly S.A. is a fitting recipient of the title of Most Trusted Private Aviation Operator 2026, and we are delighted to also recognise it with our Aviation Safety & Operational Excellence Award 2026. Contact: Spyros Vermpis Company: ifly S.A. Web Address: https://ifly.gr/
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