A COLCHESTER company has been ranked the 15th fastest growing technology company in Britain.

Coast Digital, based in Beacon End Courtyard in Stanway, was listed in the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 league table.

The company, which is one of just four in the east of England featured on the list, is also the fastest growing in the region.

In the same week, it has also ranked 48th in the Top 100 Interactive Agencies compiled by New Media Age (NMA), a national magazine dedicated to interactive media, up from 90th place last year.

Founder James Frost established the company five years ago after re-mortgaging his house. Ever since, the digital online marketing business' turnover has rapidly increased from £500,000 to £4.2 million today. The total sales of the Sunday Times top 100 list is £1.2 billion.

Mr Frost said: "We are elated to have made the Sunday Times list and to be featured on two lists in the same week is fantastic. It really is a testament to the hard work of the Coast Digital team."

Mr Frost explained the online marketing sector is growing in popularity and the company's client list now includes Swatch, Office shoes and La Senza lingerie store. The company's staffing has increased from 11 last year to 18 and Mr Frost is confident it will continue to grow in the coming 12 months.

While Coast Digital has a serviced office in London for client meetings, Mr Frost said he has no intention of moving it completely to London - though he said being in Essex brings its own challenges.

"The challenge of being in Essex is it's harder to find skilled staff. Digital marketing is a new area but our proximity to London is a benefit."