O2  has launched its search for the 50 to Watch in Mobile 2007, which identifies the brightest firms in the British mobile industry. In conjunction with Real Business magazine, the list will not only reveal the vibrant and innovative companies that are shaping the future of the UK mobile industry, but uncover those entrepreneurs achieving success on an international scale.
For the first time companies have the option to self nominate in categories which include Most Exciting Newcomer, Fastest Growing and Women achieving success in mobile. Hardware designers and manufacturers, software and mobile services providers are all eligible to enter.
The mobile sector continues to grow from strength to strength, as the industry now generates a massive 22 billion and creates a wealth of new job says O2 Sales & Retail Director (UK), Mark Stansfield. At O2, we are keen to celebrate those British companies who are contributing to this success and using mobile technologies in a new and innovative way. In the last 50 to Watch listing, companies profiled ranged from Opera Telecom, the UKs leading aggregator, to Re5ult, which offers consumers a text-based question and answer service. These companies reflect the diversity and flair behind the mobile sector which now contributes more revenue to the UK economy that the total oil and gas extraction industries.
The continued success and growth of those profiled in the Real Business/ O2 50 to Watch in Mobile 2005 is highlighted by SpinVox, the worlds first voicemail-to-text service for mobile and landline phones, which received significant funding after the announcement.
It was a great achievement to be recognised by the industry as one of the 50 most exciting companies to watch for 2006, especially in a sector such as mobile which continues to thrive in the UK says SpinVox co-founderChristina Domecq. Since being profiled SpinVox has gone from strength to strength; we now have over 120,000 users and are rolling out with major network operators next year.
Charles Orton Jones, Deputy Editor, Real Business, which will publish the 50 to Watch in Mobile in its February 2007 edition, says:
We want to recognise the new arrivals on the mobile scene, with a sound future and a certain X-factor that sets them apart from their peers. This year, we will be celebrating everything from those British businesses that are achieving success internationally to female entrepreneurs making their mark on the industry. We look forward to hearing from the next generation of mobile talent who display the cutting edge innovation, creative vision and drive to succeed in such a competitive industry.
The closing date for nominations for the 2007 Real Business/ O2 50 to Watch in Mobile is Monday 6 November. The entrants will be judged by an independent panel including  Mark Stansfield UK Sales & Retail Director for O2 Group Technology; Mike Short  from O2 and the Mobile Data Association; and Stephen Pritchard, Mobile Editor of  Real Business.
You can enter the competition here.