Championing the region's best-performing firms

Aug 26 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE North East's fastest-growing businesses will take centre stage this autumn when the definitive run-down of the region’s top performing firms is revealed.

Law firm Ward Hadaway’s Fastest 50, which is backed by The Journal, aims to identify and champion the North East’s pace-setting businesses.

The Fastest 50 was started by Ward Hadaway in association with The Journal in 1998 to highlight and celebrate private companies in the region showing the strongest growth.

It is a way of rewarding high achieving businesses and providing models for others to follow.

Winners have included the likes of Bannatyne Fitness, which is now one of the largest leisure club chains in the UK, energy-efficiency plc Eaga and offshore, marine and renewable industry engineering specialist IHC The Engineering Business.

As in previous years, the awards will be given to the fastest-growing small, medium-sized and large businesses.

There will also be an overall prize for the fastest growing company in the North East.

Jamie Martin, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “The Fastest 50 has become a real fixture in the region’s business calendar and we are delighted to have been the event’s sponsor since its inception.

“It is terrific to be able to celebrate the North East’s business success stories and demonstrate that the North East continues to be a great region to live, work and do business.

“This past year has been one of the most challenging 12 months that anyone can remember, but the Fastest 50 provides real evidence that many businesses in the North East have not only survived such a tough year, but have thrived.”