High potential firms called to enter Technology Fast 50


14 Jul 2004

High-growth Irish companies have been called to get on track for this year’s Technology Fast 50 programme, sponsored by Deloitte in association with InterTradeIreland’s Equity Network and media sponsor Silicon Republic. The programme ranks the fastest growing technology firms on the island based on percentage turnover growth.

The programme, now in its fifth successful year, recognises and ranks the fastest-growing technology companies in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Nominations are now being sought for this year’s fastest 50 based on percentage turnover growth from the 1999 to 2003 period.

Participants can be public or private, and encompass all technology industry segments including communications, computers and peripherals, internet, life sciences, semiconductors and software. In addition, companies with three years’ worth of turnover growth can now enter Deloitte’s Rising Stars competition, for those younger companies who are going places fast.

David O’Flanagan, Partner, Deloitte commented: “The Fast 50 programme ranks companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.”

O’Flanagan continued: “The Technology Fast 50 awards are an opportunity for businesses to gain recognition for their successes and achievements over the previous 12 months. In what has been a turbulent environment for the sector, there has never been a more important time for businesses to highlight their achievements.”

Liam Nellis, Chief Executive of IntertradeIreland’s EquityNetwork, one of the main sponsors said: “This is the fourth year that we have supported this excellent event. Since the Technology Fast 50 programme began in Ireland five years ago, I have been particularly encouraged by the number of small to medium-sized businesses that submitted entries for the awards, from all parts of the island.”

Application forms are now available on the Deloitte website – www.deloitte.com/ie – or can be obtained by contacting the Fast 50 hotline at: 01 – 417 2611. The closing date for nominations is 31st August 2004. An awards ceremony will take place on 4th November in the Guinness Storehouse.

By John Kennedy

Pictured at the launch of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 programme were David O’Flanagan, Partner, Deloitte and John Fitzgerald, Board Member, IntertradeIreland’s EquityNetwork.