One of the interesting projects we are involved in over the long, hot summer is managing the campaign for the Deloitte Technology Fast 50. This is a competition for technology companies in the UK that uses a hard measure – revenue growth – to rank all entries and so has an authority that other awards and competitions can only aspire to.
If you are growing rapidly, and have been in business for more than five years, you should seriously consider entering.
Companies benefit in a number of ways:
- The opportunity to measure themselves against the fastest growing companies in the UK.
- Great opportunities to meet and share ideas with the owners/managers of other high achieving organisations.
- Press recognition of the achievements of your organisation.
- There will be an afternoon networking event followed by gala dinner to announce the EMEA 500 winners at the Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC), in London, 25th November for all entrants. (Last year the event was held at Chelsea FC and my colleague Darren was caught trying to walk off with the FA Cup). Sadly for Arsenal fans, the opportunities for stealing silverware at the Emirates will probably be more limited.
- Award winners report that winning has helped them recruit star employees, boost staff morale, open new customer relationships, reassure existing customers that they are working with a leading organisation, personal lives improve and kittens are spared horrible deaths.*
- Ben Goss, CEO, Distribution Technology
Don’t just take my word for it. Ben Goss – CEO, Distribution Technology (2009 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winner) says on camera,
“Winning the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 last year has had a significant positive impact across the company and the strength of Deloitte’s brand has helped recruitment and international business development.”
Far from harming his business, the recession has thrown up opportunities for Distribution Technology. Uncertainty in the financial services sector is actually helping Distribution technology, who provide financial planning software to independent financial advisors. They have seen a very fast uptake as a result of increased regulation and decreasing margins. Ben’s interview can be viewed here.
Phil Walker, CEO, Thunderhead
His thoughts were echoed by Phil Walker – MD EMEA, Thunderhead the (2008 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winner),
“Winning the Fast 50 in 2008 enhanced Thunderhead’s brand and has been brilliant for marketing.”
Phil joined Thunderhead from Capgemini Consulting, where he was SVP and COO, as he saw the significant potential to grow Thunderhead’s international business.
“At a time when many companies are bedding down and adopting a cautious approach to their markets, Thunderhead is bucking the trend with increased revenue growth, a strong customer pipeline and continued product innovation.”
Early entrants will also have the opportunity to be interviewed on camera for a series of short interviews to be featured on the Fast50 website, as well as here at the BLN.
You can see some of the interviews that have already been produced here.
Closing date for submissions is 17th September. Video interviews of selected entrants will be made in August and early September so get your entries in fast! http://www.deloitte.co.uk/Fast50
* Mainly true.