Three companies with links to Skibbereen's Ludgate have been included on a list of the country's fastest-growing technology firms.
THREE companies with links to Skibbereen’s Ludgate have been included on a list of the country’s fastest-growing technology firms.
E-commerce software company xSellco, based in the Ludgate hub, secured the top spot in Ireland’s best known technology growth index – the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 ranking.
The company, which achieved second spot in last year’s ranking, has had a growth rate of 2,874% over the last four years. xSellco provides innovative products that allow e-commerce businesses of all sizes to fulfil their potential.
Spearline was raked ninth, while Granite Digital came in at 17th – both companies are linked to Ludgate. Clonakilty-based Global Shares was listed in 44th spot.
The awards, now in their 19th year, rank Ireland’s fastest growing technology companies and recognise indigenous technology companies that have demonstrated exceptional growth in turnover in the last four years.
Commenting on the wins by the West Cork-based companies, Ludgate CEO Adrienne Harrington said: ‘xSellco’s success in taking first place in the awards comes as no surprise to us. Since the company first established their satellite office in Ludgate in May 2017, we’ve seen them go from strength to strength and we see, every day, the drive, hard work and commitment that has led them to this position. Securing a growth rate of 2,874% in the past four years is a phenomenal achievement, and a credit to their chief executive Ray Nolan and his team. Ray has acknowledged that xSellco’s Ludgate base has been a core element of the company’s success and has proved that location is irrelevant, once good connectivity is available.’
She added: ‘We were also thrilled at Spearline’s success. This is the fifth consecutive year that they’ve secured a place in the top 50 and this is their best result yet.’ It was also a night of celebrations for Granite Digital, another company with a base in Ludgate.
‘Ludgate, and Skibbereen town, are increasingly becoming a location of choice for tech companies, either looking for an initial location or to expand operations. Our 1GB connectivity, lower business costs, ready supply of talent and quality of life make it the ideal location for such companies,’ she said.
Tim Houstoun of Global Shares said they were delighted with the endorsement.
‘Global Shares has experienced dramatic growth since we launched our technology platform in 2015, which is reflected in this award.
‘Today our business is 95% export-lead, with more than 250 blue-chip companies with employees in 100 plus countries using our solutions to operate their employee share plans.
Spearline also won Best West Cork Company of the year at the Remy Martin Cork Business Awards 2018 this week.
The Skibbereen-based tech firm also announced that they have two more awards nights on the horizon. Spearline’s head of customer engagement Fiona Ryan is a finalist in the 2018 Women in Tech Awards on the Rising Star shortlist, results to be announced in the RDS Concert Hall on November 22nd.
Spearline’s head of innovation Grainne O’Keeffe is a finalist in the Women in IT Awards Ireland 2018 on the Innovator of the Year shortlist. Managing director Ciara Lucy is also a Women in IT Awards Ireland 2018 finalist on the Business Leader of fhe Year shortlist.
Winners to be revealed ahead of the gala ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin on November 21st.
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