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SEARCH BEGINS FOR WALES FAST GROWTH 50 2011


Today, the Western Mail, in association with the University of Wales, begins its annual search for the fastest growing Welsh companies.

Established in 1999, the Wales Fast Growth 50 aims to identify the fifty fastest growing firms in Wales. Now in its thirteenth year, it has become firmly established as one of the main barometers of entrepreneurship in the Welsh economy and the list of business success that companies across Wales aspire to.

Last year, the 50 fastest growing firms in Wales created 1,400 new jobs and increased their sales by an incredible £305m in the middle of the worse recession since the 1920s .

The 2010 fastest growing firm in Wales was recruitment company Smart Solutions, which achieved an incredible growth rate of 3400 per cent between 2007 and 2009. Operating in a highly competitive marketplace, the company became successful by investing heavily in its infrastructure, always putting its staff first, and developing innovative ideas and strategy in a stale market.

Led by its chief executive Nathan Bowles, Smart Solutions is continuing to grow its share in its niche market whilst increasing its presence outside of Wales. On receiving the award last year, he praised the company’s staff for driving the company’s rapid expansion. "It was great for us to get the award and it was a great achievement for the staff after all their hard work and dedication," he said.

The 2011 list of the fastest growing firms in Wales will appear in a special supplement, which will be published by the Western Mail on Wednesday 21st September, in association with the University of Wales.

There will also be a special gala dinner, which will take place at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday September 16th 2011. This exclusive event, sponsored by Capital Law, Santander Bank, Hays Recruitment, Venture Wales, Media Wales and Logicalis, has become one of the most prestigious in the Welsh business calendar and, yet again, promises to be a showcase of the best of Welsh enterprise for all attending.

HOW TO GET ONTO THE 2011 FAST GROWTH 50.

To qualify for the Fast Growth 50 2011 competition, firms should:

- Be independent and privately held (not a subsidiary or branch plant of another company)
- Had sales of at least £250,000 in 2008
- Be based in Wales

Rankings will be based on percentage growth of revenues from 2008 to 2010

The closing date for entries is June 17th 2011.

An entry form for this year's competition can be requested by contacting fastgrowth50@wales.ac.uk or by visiting the website http://www.fastgrowth50.com/

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