In a ceremony hosted at the Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan, home to the Italian stock market, Ducati has received the Brand Recognition Award from the UK Government during the UK-Italy Business awards.

Presented by Mr.Vic Annels, Consul General and Director of UK Trade and Industry in Italy, the highly coveted Brand Recognition Award comes in the same week that Ducati UK announced a significant growth in business during 2011, recording sales levels unseen since 2003 and achieving a best-ever market share in the UK’s over 500cc market. While Ducati in Italy increased investment in research and development, Ducati UK invested in purpose-built headquarters at Silverstone circuit to become the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the UK.

Representing the famous Italian motorcycle brand, president and ceo of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio said: “I am very proud to collect this prestigious award on behalf of Ducati, an award that has clearly recognised the value of a brand which is as loved and respected in the UK as it is all around the world.”

When presenting the award, Mr.Vic Annels, consul general and director of UK Trade and Industry in Italy, said: “We are delighted to present Ducati with the Brand Recognition Award and equally delighted that such an exciting and innovative brand has chosen to invest further in its UK operation. Ducati has a rich history of success on the track in the UK and we are now pleased to see that reflected in their business also.”