Deloitte's Fast 50 Opens for Entries

Deloitte Says its 11th Annual Technology Awards Bash Will Be Held in Belfast

Ireland's fastest growing  technology companies are being asked to demonstrate their growth, as the annual quest to find Ireland's fastest growing technology firms was launched this week by Deloitte partner David O'Flanagan.

He declared entries are now being  accepted for the 2010 Deloitte Fast 50 Technology Awards and called on indigenous tech firms to show how they fit with this year's theme, which is to Lead, Innovate,  and Excel.

The awards will take place in the Europa Hotel in Belfast on Friday 8th October 2010.The Awards programme, which ranked Daft.ie first last year, is open to all indigenous technology companies.

"We are delighted to once again provide Ireland's technology companies with this opportunity to show just how good they are!Year after year, the Fast 50 awards showcase just how strong the technology industry is in Ireland," said O'Flanagan.

The awards are now in their eleventh year, and recognise  Ireland's indigenous technology companies which have enjoyed  the fastest growth in their turnover over the past five years.

Deloitte Partner David O'Flanagan  emphasised the vital role that the technology awards play: "The awards play an important part in demonstrating the resilience, talent and invention that is present in Irish technology companies, not just to their stakeholders and peers in Ireland, but also to the wider, international market.

O'Flanagan continued, "The theme of this year's programme is ‘Lead. Innovate. Excel.' - characteristics we believe Irish technology companies have continued to demonstrate in the current challenging environment. We are encouraging all indigenous companies who believe they are displaying these attributes to apply for this year's awards."

Previous winning companies include PulseLearning, Lincor Solutions, and  2009's winning entry Daft Media  whose property websites Daft.ie, Property.ie and Rent.ie achieved an aggregate growth rate of 8453% over the previous five years.

Daft Media  also achieved a top ten spot in the 2009 EMEA Fast 500 ranking, making it the eighth fastest growing tech firm in Europe, Middele East and Africa.

Daft Media CEO Odhran Ginnity said: "These awards are a fantastic platform for Irish technology companies to be recognised on the international market.

"For us, being recognised as number one in the Technology Fast 50 ranking has inspired us to continue to drive success, but more importantly, it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our team."

Ireland's Fast 50 companies will also be entered into Deloitte's EMEA Fast 500 award programme, which recognises Europe's fastest growing technology companies.

The ranking features both private and publicly  listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and a marketplace vision  which drives them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders in their field. Details of how to enter the awards can be found at the fast50.ie website. The closing date for entries is Friday 3rd September 2010.

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

• Entrants must have been operating for a minimum of five years, with a turnover of at least €50,000 for 2005
• Entrants can be public or private companies but the parent company must be headquartered in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Subsidiaries or divisions do not qualify.
• Each entrant must be a technology company defined as producing technology; manufacturing technology-related products; being technologically intensive or using technology in problem-solving; or devoting a high percentage of effort to the research and development of technology.

The Rising Star category honours two up-and-coming companies that are in business less than 5 years.

Companies that have not been in business for the minimum 5 years may qualify for the Rising Star category if they can satisfy the following criteria:

• Entrants must be operating for a minimum of three years to five years, and have had a turnover of at least €30,000 for 2007.
• Entrants can be public or private companies but the parent company must be headquartered in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Subsidiaries or divisions do not qualify.
• Each entrant must be a technology company defined as producing technology; manufacturing technology-related products; being technologically intensive or using technology in problem-solving; or devoting a high percentage of effort to the research and development of technology.

Pictured are Paul Conroy, development manager Daft.ie, David O'Flanagan, partner, Deloitte and Odhran Ginnity CEO, daft.ie at the launch of the 2010  Awards.  Photo by Jason Clarke Photography.

People reading this article also read....

More Deloitte Technology Fast 50 News on IrishDev.com

.

More Deloitte Technology Fast 500 News on IrishDev.com

More iPhone News on IrishDev.com

More Daft News on IrishDev.com

Get Instant Irish Tech News Updates....