New list trumpets success of region

Aug 27 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

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THE North East’s fastest-growing businesses will take centre stage this autumn when the definitive rundown of the region’s top performers is revealed.

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

The Fastest 50 was started by Newcastle firm Ward Hadaway in association with The Journal in 1998 to highlight and celebrate private companies in the region showing the strongest growth as a way of rewarding high achieving companies and encouraging others to follow their lead.

Since then, winners have included the likes of Bannatyne Fitness – now one of the largest leisure club chains in the UK – energy efficiency plc Eaga and offshore, marine and renewable industry engineering specialist The Engineering Business.

As in previous years, the 2008 awards will be given to the fastest-growing small, medium-sized and large businesses as well as an overall prize.

Ward Hadaway managing partner Jamie Martin 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.

“Whilst the past year has been a challenging one for everyone, there are still a host of businesses doing great things in the region which the Fastest 50 will highlight and champion.”

Once again, researchers from St Chad’s College and Durham Business School will be running the rule over the potential entrants and their figures to ensure the Fastest 50 is as accurate as possible.

Head of commercial law at Ward Hadaway Colin Hewitt said: “The Fastest 50 has become an acknowledged barometer for the region’s businesses.

“It celebrates significant growth and achievement within our region across a wide variety of sectors and industries and it is always fascinating to compare those businesses that achieve a placing year after year and those which storm in from almost nowhere and the stories behind them.

“We also look forward to seeing those that have again managed to achieve fantastic growth.”

The Fastest 50 award ceremony will take place in October and will be introduced by Journal editor Brian Aitken.

He said: “The Fastest 50 list helps put North-East business growth on the map – and has been doing so for the past 10 years. Now, more than ever, it is important for the region’s supporters like The Journal and Ward Hadaway to trumpet the North-East’s successes to the wider world and this is exactly what the Fastest 50 does.”

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