Now in their sixth year, the FT Boldness in Business Awards, jointly sponsored by the Financial Times and ArcelorMittal, have become the pre-eminent forum for recognising entrepreneurial risk-taking and business innovation.

This past year has been marked by a steady economic recovery, driven largely by the US. The sense of crisis has lifted, though tremors continue to be felt in emerging markets. However, much of the banking system remains fragile and the impact of unwinding extraordinary central bank monetary support uncertain.

As the recovery takes root, companies are starting to rediscover their appetite for risk. A flurry of multi-billion-dollar cross-border bids and deals has occurred in the past six months, particularly in the technology sector. The initial public offering market is also starting to revive as private equity seeks a profitable exit from businesses that have often struggled through the Great Recession.