2009 Deloitte Fast 50 Opens Today

Monday, 22 June 2009


2009 Deloitte Fast 50 Opens Today

9th edition of the search for NZ’s fastest growing companies begins

The 2009 Deloitte Fast 50 (www.fast50.co.nz) is open for entries from today. This is the ninth year high-growth businesses from throughout New Zealand have been invited to benchmark their recent success against each other.

The leader of the Fast 50 programme, Deloitte partner Matt McKendry, said it was exciting to get the initiative underway. “The Fast 50 is a celebration of the growth, innovation and acumen of New Zealand’s up-and-coming businesses. Companies that make the Fast 50 experience surges in interest from customers and investors – not just from New Zealand, but internationally too. As well as the kudos enhancing the company profile, staff also get a kick out of being part of a business that is doing well.”

Mr McKendry said that despite the challenging economic times, there are always new and established companies performing fantastically in their particular niche. “In an economic trough, a well-run business tapping into a growing market can uncover – or stumble upon – major opportunities to secure market share rapidly. Although our expectation is that the 2009 growth rates might not be as stellar as those in 2007 or 2008, we know there are some incredible fast-growth stories in New Zealand that are set to be uncovered via the Fast 50 this year.”

As a rule of thumb, any business with growth over 20 per cent should consider entering.

As well as the national Fast 50 index, there is an award for the fastest growing primary sector business in New Zealand. In addition, in each of five regions, six awards for the fastest growing manufacturer, technology business, business services business, retail/consumer products business, exporter, and mature business (operating for 10 years or more) will also be made.

The number one ranked companies since the programme began back in 2001 are as follows:

2001: TelstraSaturn, telecommunications
2002: Marshal Software, internet security
2003: Prolificx, electronics
2004: Trade Me, online auctions
2005: 42 Below, vodka
2006: HRV, home ventilation
2007: Energy Mad, eco-friendly light bulbs
2008: Watson & Son, manuka honey/healthcare

Entrants are required to be New Zealand registered, have been in business for a minimum of three years, and have had operating revenue of at least $500,000 in the 2008/09 financial year. Once entries close on 7 August 2009, they are ranked by revenue growth over the past three years, and the top 50 companies are announced as the 2009 Deloitte Fast 50.

The 2009 index will be announced on Wednesday 28 October 2009, at regional award evenings in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

All Deloitte Fast 50 entrants are also nominated for the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia-Pacific index announced in Hong Kong in December.

ENDS

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