KEY POINTS:
Sorting out technology headaches for medium-sized businesses has lifted a New Zealand company into the top 50 fastest growing technology companies in the Asia Pacific region.
Auckland-based technology company Cohesive was ranked 43rd out of 500 companies in the Deloitte Asia Pacific Fast 500 index, based on an average revenue growth of more than 700 per cent over the last two years.
Cohesive head Dale Daniels said the company, which has been running since 1994, had found success providing technology support to medium-sized businesses.
Daniels said although Cohesive does everything from system support through to advising company managers on technology strategy, it's the high-level business analysis that differentiates them from their competitors.
"I guess we've found really good opportunities in the space that we've sat in," he said. "We've really exploited that strategy, consultancy area."
It has been a busy year for Cohesive.
In October it was ranked second in Deloite's list of fastest growing New Zealand companies -- ahead of Trade Me, 42 Below, Les Mills and Kiwibank.
The day the Deloitte/Unlimited Fast 50 was announced Cohesive signed the papers to be acquired by architecture and consulting business Hames Sharley.
Daniels said the tie up provided them with more capital and an opportunity to grow the company.
"We've got plenty of IT experience, but these guys have much broader marketing and business development experience," said Daniels.
The new company will retain the Cohesive brand and staff, using expertise from Hames Sharley to develop the business.
"They see a real convergence between what they do in architecture and building design and technology, particularly in the retail area," said Daniels.
In the future Cohesive will be involved with providing technology advice when new buildings are at design stage.
"So it's as it should be on day one, rather than retro-fit later on," said Daniels.
