Survey to find fastest growers

The middle market and growth sector is increasingly being recognised as a significant source of jobs and economic wealth. Indeed, many privately owned companies have achieved impressive rates of growth when better-known and publicly quoted ones ha ve been hit hard.

These companies are among the most dynamic in the country. "You can feel the energy when you meet them. They're electric. They are always striving to improve," says Nigel Crockford of Price Waterhouse.

Now in its fifth year, the Independent on Sunday's Independent 100 is established as a reliable guide to the best of these companies. Since it started, several high flyers in the league have been acquired by larger groups. Others continue to prosper awayfrom the glare of the markets.

The listing, based on annual compound sales growth over five years, also aims to spot the stars of the future. To find out if your company is among them, take part in our survey.

To qualify for the main listing, companies must have annual sales in the first year of at least £500,000. But in recognition that fast growth is more difficult for larger companies, there is a separate Price Waterhouse Middle Market award for businesses that had sales in excess of £5m in the first year, or sales of more than £15m in the financial year that ended 30 June 1994.

For an entry form, write to Julie Harwood, Business on Sunday's Independent 100, Price Waterhouse, Southwark Towers, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SY. Completed forms must be returned not later than Friday 24 February 1995.