Financing is great but when you're running a technology firm, it's often equally important to have an angel on your shoulder, in the form of a trusted, experienced business adviser who can offer guidance and wisdom as you chart your company's course. Ernst & Young has been delivering professional support to Ottawa's technology sector for more than 30 years.

"Local technology companies, both large and small, continue to weather the shifting marketplace extremely well. There are quite a number of emerging "post-bubble" companies that are thriving as they work very hard to establish their businesses, identify the commercial opportunity for their products and build the foundation to make themselves successful," says Bryan Haralovich, a Partner in Ernst & Young's Assurance Practice. "Many of these firms take advantage of our business advisory services because they recognize our depth of experience and appreciate how our practical, timely advice allows them to focus on their key business goals and objectives."

Ernst & Young's more than 50 Ottawa-based employees who focus on the technology sector know from experience what works and what doesn't. "Thanks to our high level of technical expertise in our core competencies, we know how to identify potential issues early on and can help companies manage those issues either on their own or with our help," says Mr. Haralovich. "We enjoy helping firms maintain their customer focus and deliver what the marketplace needs. This sector is Ernst & Young's single largest segment in Ottawa, so we have a vested interest in helping the local technology industry remain strong and vibrant."

Ernst & Young has carved out an impressive reputation for its ability to analyze and understand a client's business model, the company's strengths and weaknesses as well as the issues they are trying to address before offering recommendations. "This depth of understanding is essential to us becoming a trusted business adviser; once this is done, we can then provide specific advisory services and facilitate making connections between their firm and others in the business community," explains Mr. Haralovich.

Ernst & Young works diligently to stay on top of the constantly-evolving technology industry, monitoring its many sub-sectors to provide specific and directed guidance. "A prime example is the burgeoning cleantech space. As more local entrepreneurs endeavour to capitalize on the momentum in this area, we can offer our local and global experience to support them," adds Mr. Haralovich. "We already have many clients working with biofuel, solar and other cleantech technologies. Globally, we sponsor conferences focusing on issues that are top of mind to the cleantech space. This thought leadership truly differentiates the guidance we can provide to our clients."

Ernst & Young's commitment to thought leadership pays other dividends for clients. Their Strategic Growth Forum gathers key Ernst & Young personnel with CEOs and CFOs to discuss current business issues and share insights on transformational issues such as IPOs, buyouts and more. The firm also hosts a bi-monthly Tax Executives Club and quarterly CFO Roundtables, both of which are unique offerings in Ottawa. These multidimensional sessions are consistently rated as being of tremendous benefit to all participants.

As one of the largest service providers in the world, Ernst & Young has amassed a broad range of skills and knowledge directly applicable to the issues faced by technology companies of all sizes, both new and established. "From the initial startup, preparing for an IPO, acquiring another company or expanding into international markets, we have hands-on experience in helping firms tackle the logistical and regulatory details associated with these processes," confirms Mr. Haralovich. "Many emerging companies require specialized expertise early on in their life cycle due to the nature of the technology industry; this is particularly true of those looking to go global."

Ernst & Young's global strength also means access to a vast international network of expertise through its worldwide offices. "Our firm's client roster includes more than 40 per cent of the Nasdaq's top 100 technology companies. We regularly introduce clients to local stakeholders all over the globe who can provide specific advice and assistance. These peer-to-peer conversations have proven invaluable to many Ottawa-based companies," says Mr. Haralovich.

With the skills, experience and global reach, Ernst & Young is uniquely positioned to help technology companies succeed. "We operate as a trusted adviser that understands the tax, accounting, regulatory and other general business issues that come with operating in a global environment," adds Mr. Haralovich.

By:

Bryan Haralovich, CA

Partner, Audit & Advisory Services

Tel: 613-598-4347

bryan.b.haralovich@ca.ey.com

Suzie Gignac, CA

Senior Manager, Audit & Advisory Services

Tel: 613-598-4376

suzie.r.gignac@ca.ey.com

Dave Patel, CA

Senior Manager, Business Tax Services

Tel: 613-598-4332

dave.patel@ca.ey.com

Terry Lavineway, B.Sc., B.Admin.

Senior Manager, Business Tax Services

Tel: 613-598-4860

terry.lavineway@ca.ey.com

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