RACE IS ON FOR TOP SPOT AS DELOITTE TECHNOLOGY FAST 50 KICKS OFF

Entries are now open for the 2018 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 programme. The awards, now in their nineteenth year, rank Ireland’s fastest growing technology companies and recognise the indigenous technology companies that have demonstrated outstanding growth in turnover over the last four years.

Deloitte is calling on companies from across the technology spectrum – including software, hardware, communications, media, clean-tech, and life sciences – to apply for this year’s awards.

The awards demonstrate the contribution of the indigenous technology sector. Swords-based eShopWorld secured the top spot in the ranking in 2017 for the third year in a row. The provider of ecommerce and logistics management solutions to retailers has achieved a growth rate of 3,632 per cent over four years.

Sixteen Northern Irish companies made the Fast 50 last year, with Belfast-based Ozaroo Retail, one of the UK and Ireland’s fastest-growing online retailers, the highest ranking Northern Ireland business at number six in the countdown.

The Fast 50 programme is recognised as a barometer of a company’s success. More than 60 companies from Northern Ireland have appeared on the list over the last two decades, some of which have gone on to become leading players in the local tech sector, such as Belfast-based Novosco, which last month announced plans to grow its workforce to 330 after securing a £107m contract with the NHS.

Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte, said: “For nearly 20 years, the Technology Fast 50 awards have celebrated innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual property in the technology sector in Ireland. The awards offer a glimpse into the future of the technology world for venture capitalists and multinational companies and also provide a platform for businesses to showcase their achievements and future ambitions in the global market.

“Many inspirational companies from across the technology sector have won this award on their way to achieving great success. This year’s winners will be in good company, as we look to recognise the next generation of dynamic Irish technology companies.”

One of the new entrants to the Fast 50 last year was AquaQ Analytics, which provides specialist data management, data analytics and data mining services to clients. With over 90 consultants, the company specialises in kdb+ consultancy, training and support.

Ivy McFarlane, Business Development Director at AquaQ Analytics, said: “The recognition that comes with these awards has been fantastic for our business. As a result, we’ve been able to take on new consultants to fulfill contracts and broken into new markets such as Asia.

“The awards highlight the vast array of entrepreneurship across Ireland and it is fantastic to be able to share our success with so many forward-thinking companies.”

The closing date for entries is 14 September 2018 and the winners will be announced on 2 November 2018 at the awards ceremony. For details of how to enter, please visit www.fast50.ie.