The DTI's Innovation Unit has today published the UK's first company wealth creation league table.

There are five UK companies in the top 15 wealth creators in Europe -Shell, BP, HSBC, GlaxoSmithKline and BT.

Trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Today's value added scoreboard shows that where companies invest in plant, in skills training, in research and development and in fresh and innovative products, they can compete successfully against the best in the world."

Forum Response: BP

A spokeswoman for BP told ePolitix.com: "We are very pleased that our contribution has been recognised in this way."