TECHNOLOGY companies in Northern Ireland are being urged to enter the Deloitte Fast 50 awards, now in their 21st year, which rank Ireland’s fastest growing technology companies and recognise the indigenous firms that have demonstrated outstanding growth in turnover over the previous four years.
Deloitte is calling on those in the north’s growing technology sector – including software, hardware, communications, media, clean-tech, and life sciences – to apply.
Thirteen Northern Irish companies made the Fast 50 last year, with Belfast-based Catagen the highest-ranked at number two in the overall rankings, based on its growth rate, just behind overall winner Electricity Exchange from Limerick.
Closing date for entries is November 30 and the winners will be announced in December. For details of how to enter go to www.fast50.ie.
Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte, said: “The Fast 50 is a celebration of entrepreneurial tech businesses across Ireland.
“While this has been a hugely challenging year for the whole business community, many technology focused companies have remained resilient and continued to grow through the pandemic and we think it is important to recognise that achievement.
“Deloitte is also actively engaged in assisting a number of previous winners to grow rapidly and attract investment.
“We have noticed a significant increase in the appetite to invest in our indigenous tech companies as the global marketplace becomes aware of Northern Ireland’s reputation as a fast-growing tech hub of the future.”
Dr Andrew Woods, chief executive of clean air emissions data company Catagen said: “We got fantastic exposure from being part of the Fast 50 last year and the recognition resonated with our customer base.
“Despite everything that has happened in the world since then, the business has acquired 270 per cent more paying customers by head count of leading automotive brands in the intervening period. The company has continued to grow and has recruited 30 per cent more employees in that time frame to meet future demand.
“In addition, Catagen has been recognised by Innovate UK and has recently been awarded a Future Leaders Fellowship Award of £1.25 million. For any fast-growing technology company, I’d say the Fast 50 is definitely worth entering as the recognition is very well received.”
