Deloitte, the business advisory firm, is today calling on Ireland’s indigenous technology companies to apply for the 2008 Technology Fast 50 Awards. The awards are an independent, objective ranking of the top 50 fastest growing technology companies throughout Ireland.

Now in its ninth year, the awards showcase technology companies that have achieved high revenue growth over a five-year period. In addition, the Rising Star category will honour two up and coming companies who are in business less than 5 years.

The winners will be announced at the Fast 50 Awards ceremony which is taking place on October 16th in the Guinness Storehouse. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Lighting the Way’ - in order to recognise those companies that have demonstrated the management excellence, commitment and innovation necessary to succeed. Fast 50 companies will also have the opportunity on the night to debate the challenges and trends facing technology companies in Ireland today with industry leaders at the Deloitte Technology Forum.

Commenting at the launch of the 2008 Deloitte Fast 50 Awards, David O’Flanagan, Partner, Deloitte said, “This year’s list will reveal those technology companies that have devised and employed strategies which have enabled them to succeed within a more challenging economic environment. Innovation has always been an integral component for success in the technology industry – and this will become even more important in a changing global marketplace. We are confident that Irish technology companies, who have traditionally been some of the most innovative, have risen to this challenge – and we look forward to honouring them in this year’s awards.”

PulseLearning Ltd, a leading provider of enterprise compliance eLearning solutions and the 2007 winner of the Deloitte Fast 50 programme has benefited greatly from its association with the awards.

Jim Breen, CEO PulseLearning Ltd said, “The recognition that our company has achieved as a result of our win last year has been invaluable. Not only is it of immense benefit to us here in Ireland – but also in international markets where the Deloitte Fast 50 name is also associated with excellence. It has been a great platform from which to grow our business over the last year.”  

The ranking features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders. Details of how to enter the awards can be found at www.fast50.ie. The closing date for entries is Monday 1st September.

In addition to the chance to achieve a ranking in Ireland’s Technology Fast 50, companies entering will have the opportunity to be entered into Deloitte’s EMEA Fast 500 award programme, which recognises Europe’s fastest growing technology companies.

For further information and details of how to enter the award, visit www.fast50.ie.

About the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Programme

To enter the Fast 50 Awards, companies must meet the criteria listed below.  Entries must be sent in electronically, with the necessary supporting documents (audited financial statements).

Entry Criteria:
• Have been in business for a minimum of five years
• Considered a technology company, which is defined as producing technology, manufacturing technology-related products, be technology intensive, or use unique technology to solve problems, devoting a high percentage of effort to technology R&D
• The parent company must be Irish-owned and have its headquarters in Ireland
(subsidiaries of multinational organisations do not qualify)
• Operating revenues must be at least €50,000 for 2003

Rising Star category

Companies who wish to enter the programme, which have not been in business for the minimum 5 years may qualify for the Rising Star category on satisfaction of the following criteria:

• Have been in business for a minimum of 3 years and less than 5 years
• Considered a technology company, which is defined as producing technology, manufacturing technology-related products, be technology intensive, or use unique technology to solve problems, devoting a high percentage of effort to technology R&D
• The parent company must be Irish-owned and have its headquarters in Ireland
(subsidiaries of multinational organisations do not qualify)
• Operating revenues must be at least €30,000 for the year 2005

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