Online marketing company Academy Internet said it was on the acquisition trail after storming into a list of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in Britain.

The firm, in Union Street, Brighton, has seen turnover increase at rates of between 36 per cent and 88 per cent over the last five years.

This year, sales are expected to break through the £1 million barrier.

Academy, one of a clutch of digital marketing firms to make the list, ranked the highest of any Sussex technology company and was seventh in the South East.

Founder Jason Woodford, who bought Academy after it went bust in 2003, said: "This prestigious award on our fifth anniversary illustrates that responsible business practices can deliver impressive financial returns.

"We're now looking forward to executing the ambitious next phase of our business plan."

In a tantalising glimpse of things to come, Mr Woodford confirmed the company was in "advanced negotiations"

to secure a mix of equity and debt funding to pursue mergers and acquisitions in the local digital media community.

He said the firm had already identified a number of targets.

Mr Woodford said: "We are primed to capitalise on the rapid consolidation taking place in our two highgrowth marketplaces of e-learning and internet marketing.

"I'm immensely proud of what our team has achieved and their enthusiasm, capability and commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has started to pay dividends."

Simon Kerton-Johnson, chairman of Deloitte's UK and Ireland Fast 50 said: "Growing the top line enough to make the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 is especially meaningful during competitive times for the technology sector.

"We congratulate Academy Internet on becoming one of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies.

"Because the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 measures sustained revenue growth over five years, being one of the 50 fastestgrowing technology companies is an impressive achievement.

"Academy Internet deserves a lot of credit for its remarkable growth."