TOP businesses in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to repeat the region's success in the prestigious 2004 Deloitte Northern Technology Fast 50 Programme.

Last year 14 Yorkshire companies ranked among technology ventures playing a vital role in the regional economy.

They included Harrogate-based Harbrook Consultants, York Bioanalytical Solutions and York-based Pixel Imaging, who all reached the top 25.

Yorktest Group, the Osbaldwick-based allergy test developer, was named Yorkshire Technology Fast 50 Company of the Year, with a growth rate of 120 per cent over the past three years.

This time, while criteria for entry will continue to be based on financial performance and revenue growth, Fast 50 candidates will be measured over five years rather than three.

For further information or to download an application form, go to www.fast50.co.uk

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, June 10, 2004