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Deloitte partner Bill Hale says companies that feature on the Fast 50 index attract investment.

The search for New Zealand's 50 fastest growing businesses for 2018 has begun.

Deloitte will release its Fast 50 index of companies that experienced the highest growth over three consecutive years in November.

To be eligible, business need to have made $500,000 worth of sales in the 2016 financial year and must supply a full set of financial accounts for the past three years. Entry for the awards was open until July 27.

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Building company ZB Homes director Zane Beckett (left), operations manager Fiona Flowerday and managing director Rik Flowerday topped Deloitte's 2017 fast 50 index.

Last year, Bay of Plenty residential building company ZB Homes topped the list with revenue growth of more than 1500 per cent over three years. 

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It was the first time a construction company took out the top spot that had been previously held by technology, health, electricity and beverage companies. 

In 2016, financial software company Pushpay won with a 900 per cent increase in sales over three years. 

Deloitte private partner Bill Hale said companies that had previously featured on the list looked more attractive to investors.

The fast 50 list celebrated businesses that would shape the future of the economy, he said.

"It does more than just rank New Zealand's 50 fastest growing businesses. It celebrates a range of business success across a number of categories and on a regional and national stage."

Businesses that had been operating for less than three years but had seen exponential growth, could apply for the 'rising star' award.

Multi-million-dollar businesses that had continued to grow sales from a minimum of $5 million revenue in 2014, could apply for a 'master of growth' award.

The fastest growing business in industries such as technology, agribusiness, retail, services and exports would receive an award.

For more information on the 2018 Deloitte Fast 50, including entry criteria, how to enter and key dates, visit www.fast50.co.nz.

 - Stuff