We announced in this space on Friday that Nuix had won the 2009 ATS Patrons' Award, and now we have a full recap of the awards presentation.
On a perfect spring evening, the ceremony at Government House last Wednesday was a fantastic event. In the keynote address, the Hon. Ian Macdonald, Minister for State Development, paid tribute to the finalists and the Australian Technology Showcase (ATS). Each of the members was featured in a brief video clip. And before and after the formal part of the evening, there was ample time to chat with all of the finalists and other members of the ATS.
Of course, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the award, which went to Nuix. Developers of forensic data and email analysis software, they've experienced enormous growth since entering the market in 2006. Overseas sales now account for 83% of their business, and they boast a blue chip customer list that includes governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies and corporations in 20 countries. And with the development of new licensing models that build deeper relationships, the company is well positioned for continued success.
Eddie Sheehy, CEO of Nuix, was unfortunately unable to make the event, so the Director, Roy Grady, accepted the award on the company's behalf. During his brief remarks, Roy paid tribute to his friend and original founder and investor of the company, Jim McInerney, who worked in association with other colleagues for over five years to help develop the platform. Before it could be brought to the market in 2006, he unfortunately fell ill with cancer and passed away. However, he made sure that his family, still a shareholder today, continued to support the company and see it through to commercialisation. Mr. Sheehy was brought on board for this purpose and has helped to foster the company's entry into the local and international market. Mr. Grady's acceptance made for a moving moment and punctuated just how much the award meant not only to the business, but also personally.
Nuix, along with the other five finalists, has already received $2,500 worth of training solutions from The Fortune Group, and opted for product from Leadership In Action. And now as the winner of the Patrons' Award, they will receive an additional $5,000 of Fortune's training programs.
Congratulations again to Nuix, well deserved winner of the 2009 ATS Patrons' Award.