Plextek Ltd

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has been listed in the  2009 ‘Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA’ - a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over a five-year period, in which Plextek grew an impressive 411%, seeing it ranked 440th.

Now in its ninth year, Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA is one of Europe's most objective rankings for the technology, media and telecommunications industries. It recognises both public and private companies from all areas of technology from electronics and biotechnology, to scientific and communications.

Given the very tough market conditions over the last 12 months, this year’s ranking is being heralded by the organisers as a tribute to those that continue to thrive, even during times of economic slowdown and who will likely be key forces behind economic growth in Europe for years to come.

Plextek’s strategic decision to broaden its business model from core design consultancy work to include product design and contract manufacturing means the firm can now manage a product through its entire life cycle from initial design to manufacture and supply. This move has been integral to helping the company to secure a number of long-term, multi-million pound contracts both in the UK and internationally. The launch of Plextek’s branded products, the Blighter range of surveillance radars, which address a broad range of security requirements in defence, homeland security and civil/commercial markets, have also contributed to the company’s continued revenue growth.

Colin Smithers (pictured), Managing Director and founder of Plextek commented: “Last year we made the Tech Track 100 ranking of Britain’s fasted growing, unquoted technology companies. To now be regarded as one of EMEA’s fastest growing public or privately owned technology companies is an even bigger achievement for us. It not only validates our ability to deliver challenging electronics design and supply projects within competitive time and cost constraints, but also our ability to win and retain a wide range of global customers, from technology start-ups to multi-national engineering conglomerates and government bodies.

"We constantly strive to deliver innovative design of complex electronics and communication systems and devices to an ever evolving market and this accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and commitment from each member of our team. Coming hard on the heels of our two Queen’s Awards for Continued Innovation and International Trade, this has been an exceptional year for public recognition of our efforts.”

About Plextek Limited
Based near Cambridge, UK, Plextek was established in 1989 and has grown to be one of the largest independent electronics and communications design facilities in Europe.  It provides innovative design of complex communication systems and devices for a wide range of companies from technology start-ups to multi-national engineering conglomerates, and also undertakes supply of the finished products.

Plextek operates across the telecoms, automotive, medical and defence sectors.  In addition to supplying a range of its own security products (Blighter Ground Surveillance Radar), the company prides itself in providing an outsourced resource of highly experienced, multidisciplinary engineering skills to organisations that require challenging electronics design projects to be delivered within competitive time and cost constraints.  Business services include strategic consulting, technology studies, product and concept design, introduction to manufacture and full contract manufacturing.

Its 300 clients encompass a range of global organisations, from BAE Systems, the UK MoD, QinetiQ and Raytheon to TDK and Sony.  Plextek also supplies automotive security products to both LoJack Corporation and TRACKER Network (UK) Ltd.

In 2008 Plextek made its inaugural appearance in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list, and in April 2009 became the proud recipient of two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, for Innovation and International Trade. In October 2009 Plextek was named ‘Consultancy of the Year’ at the British Engineering Excellence Awards (BEEAs).

Website: www.plextek.com

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Further information:
Johanna Hughes, Plextek Ltd, London Road, Great Chesterford, Essex CB10 1NY.
Tel: +44 1799 533200. Fax: +44 1799 533201. Email: jlh@plextek.co.uk
Website: www.plextek.com

Press information:
Chris King/Darren Willsher, EML, The Albany Boathouse, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2 5BB.
Tel: +44 20 8408 8000.  Email:  plextek@eml.com