Deeside based Underground Vision 8th in the Fast Growth 50 list

• Sandycroft based Underground Vision, who specialise CCTV pipe surveys sit at number 8 in the top 50 with an stunning 254.4% growth 
• Secretary of State for Wales, David Jones will mark the achievements of business entrepreneurs helping the Welsh economy move from rescue to recovery at the Fast Growth 50 awards this evening (Friday 04 October 2013).

Mr Jones will deliver a keynote speech at the 15th anniversary gala dinner in Cardiff, where the best of Welsh entrepreneurship and the fastest growing businesses in Wales will be showcased. Ahead of the event, he will visit three companies in Newport and Cardiff in the running for awards at this year’s ceremony.

Since it began in 1999, 470 firms have featured on the fifteen Fast Growth 50 lists, creating over 25,000 jobs and generating £14 billion of turnover for the Welsh economy every year.

Mr Jones, who made his first speech as Secretary of State for Wales at last year’s ceremony, said:

“The Fast Growth 50 ceremony is a key date in the Welsh business calendar. It presents a welcome opportunity to reflect over the year that has passed, and to celebrate the many successes that businesses have worked tirelessly to create.

“I have been consistently impressed by the manner in which Welsh companies have been able to react and innovate in the face of what have been difficult economic conditions.

“However, as we look forward to gathering to celebrate the fifteenth year of Fast Growth 50 award winners, we can safely say that there are now positive signs on the horizon. The economy is growing and the indicators of business confidence and future activity are stronger.

“As a Government, we want to do more to ensure Welsh businesses take advantage of every opportunity available to them to grow and expand into new markets. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), with representation throughout the world, has an important role to play in this process.

“UKTI is a valuable resource for businesses throughout the whole of the UK, Wales included. Unleashing the potential of companies such as those we are visiting today will be key to ensuring sustainable recovery.”

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans is the creator of Fast Growth 50. He said:

“Over the last fifteen years, the Fast Growth 50 project has championed the cause of Welsh firms by profiling those that have expanded their businesses successfully and have been tested in the most important crucible of all, the marketplace.

“I look forward to working with the Wales Office over the next twelve months to link up the Fast Growth 50 firms into opportunities at a UK Government level.”

Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Secretary of State will visit three companies in south Wales who are each making their own important contributions to the Welsh economy.

More about the fate growth 50 http://www.fastgrowth50.com