Deloitte, the business advisory firm, today launches this year’s Technology Fast 50 Awards, an objective ranking and celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing technology companies. The programme, in its ninth year, showcases technology companies that have achieved high revenue growth over a five year period.

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 award can be found at www.fast50.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 15 September.

“In the last two years the technology marketplace has become even more competitive, placing greater demand on companies in this space to work harder and smarter. Increasing convergence, and mobility has meant that revenue lines are shifting for technology companies, as a result of which the resources required, both in nature and cost, are also changing,”  comments William Touche, Chairman of the Technology Fast 50 programme. “The Fast 50 will reveal which businesses are meeting these challenges and provide an opportunity for businesses to gain recognition for their successes and achievements over the previous 12 months.”

The awards programme is sponsored nationally by Intellect:
“Intellect is again pleased to be sponsoring Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Awards.  These awards recognise entrepreneurship, innovation and skillful execution from companies that are setting the pace in the technology sector and proving that there is plenty of opportunity in the market,” said Charles Ward, Intellect’s Chief Operating Officer.

In addition to the chance to achieve a ranking in the UK’s Technology Fast 50, companies entering  will have the opportunity to enter Deloitte’s EMEA Fast 500 award programme.

For further information and details of how to enter the award, visit http://www.fast50.co.uk.

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, either by the companies themselves or through a third party.

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 UK-owned and have its headquarters in UK or Ireland (subsidiaries of multinational organisations do not qualify)
• Operating revenues must be at least £35,000 (50,000 Euros) for 2001 and £550,000 (800,000 Euros) in 2005.

About Deloitte

In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is the UK's fastest growing major professional services firm based in 21 UK locations, with over 10,000 staff nationwide and fee income of £1,246 million in 2003/2004. It is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a leading professional services organisation, delivering world class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services, with around 120,000 people in over 140 countries. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.