With a growth rate of 545 per cent over five years, Phoebus Software has burst into the top half of the 2004 European Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in Europe, appearing 190th in the listings.

At the same time, based on this achievement, the Sollihull company was ranked 15th in the London and South-east sector of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards for the UK."

Growing the top line enough to make the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 is especially meaningful during tough economic times for the technology sector," said William Touche, chairman of Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 programme for the UK.

He went on: "Achieving sustained revenue growth of 545 per cent over five years is a tremendous accomplishment during a challenging period for the sector. Phoebus Software's exceptional growth puts it in select company."

To determine the fastest growing companies, Deloitte reviews fiscal year revenues over five years (1999-2004), calculating the revenue growth percentage over three years, and comparing the growth of all technology companies.

Making this list is a significant accomplishment for any business, and is welcome recognition of the spectacular achievements of Phoebus Software.

Phoebus Software's managing director, Robert Lintonbon, credits dedicated staff and strong customer focus with the company's massive revenue growth over the past five years.

He said: "As William Touche has indicated, this has not been an easy period for the technology sector, so we are especially pleased with our performance.

"Key to our success has been the focus we have maintained on two important areas of the business: dedicated staff working hard to maintain the ongoing flexibility of our core products to meet the everchanging needs of the mortgage and banking sectors, and our continuous investment into customer support staff and services.

"In short, we do everything we can to get the products absolutely right, and then look after the customers day and night - a simple philosophy, but clearly an effective one."