Flexicom, the financial software company, said yesterday it aimed to float on the stock exchange this year.

The company postponed its flotation plans at the end of last year after the slump on international markets.

It had intended to list on the Developing Companies Market in Dublin and the Alternative Investment Market in London. At that time it was valued at £20 million (#25.4 million).

Chief executive Mr Patrick Shiel said yesterday the company was "eager" to take a listing this year but the timing would "depend on market circumstances".

Mr Shiel was speaking in Dublin after the company won the DHL Exporter of the Year award for 1998.

The judging committee said the company received the award because of its excellent growth record in exports, which have grown by 75 per cent since 1993. The company won a specially commissioned trophy, £5,000 worth of DHL shipments and £5,000 towards overseas marketing expenditure.

The other finalists were: Megazyme, Celtic & Heraldic Jewellery, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bar and Finlays of Ardee.