Winner: MYOB

Fiercely competitive and dynamic, the small business software package of the year is always one of the most eagerly anticipated categories at the Accountancy Age Awards.

SMEs employ half of the workforce in the UK and make an equivalent contribution to GDP. It is a hot and rapidly growing area that software vendors have to work very hard to impress.

Last years winner, Mamut, had to demonstrate exceptional growth (double-digit increases more than 46 consecutive quarters) and outstanding technology to shrug off competition from TAS, Sage, Netsuite and MYOB.

This year it was MYOB which went one better and impressed the judges the most to win the Small Business Software Package of the Year Award, beating off hot competition from Mamut and Sage.

This year the IT judges were looking for evidence of market penetration and software that was simple and easy to use, but reliable and robust enough to cope with the regulatory and commercial needs of small, growing enterprises. Functionality and useful add-ons were also high on the judging agenda.

ÔMYOB is so easy to use. The software has shown impressive sales growth and is going to become a big leader in this area. Its simplicity is a real plus. It enables non-accountants to do accounting, the judges said.

Growth at MYOB has been astounding. Its highly affordable software, priced at less than £400, has seen the company grow annual revenue by 47%. Product upgrade sales are 19% higher and unit sales have increased by 48%.