Three Sussex businesses have appeared in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 - the definitive league table of the fastest-growing private companies in Britain.

Heating Plumbing Supplies (HPS) in Avis Way, Newhaven, was the highest-ranked at number 60, followed by Brighton-based tour operator Teleticket at 65.

Horsham-based In Partnership, which designs accreditation courses for independent financial advisors, was 67th.

The Fast Track 100, which is published annually, was drawn from a list of more than one million companies whose sales were at least £250,000 in 2001 and £3 million in 2004.

HPS has increased sales by a staggering 79 per cent a year - from £2.9 million in 2001, when it was founded, to £16.2 million in 2004.

The company, which supplies plumbing, heating and sanitary appliances to trade fitters across South-East England, has expanded by opening new branches.

It had four at the end of 2001 and has 15 today, each contributing sales of about £1.3 million. It buys products direct from manufacturers to keep down prices.

Founder Ron Walker said: "Our success is down to employing the right people, offering competitive prices and good old-fashioned customer service. There has been a lot of consolidation in the industry, resulting in five big groups forming, which has not necessarily been good for the customer."

Teleticket in New Road, Brighton, which slipped 24 places from its 41st place ranking in 2004 - was one of only two tour operators in the list.

The company, founded by Neil Chapman, sells flights from small airports, such as Aberdeen and Norwich, to sunshine destinations, such as Malaga and the Canaries.

It provides a round-the-clock online booking service selling to individuals and more than 400 travel agencies. It claims to have driven up passenger numbers from 3,000 in 2001 to 85,000 a year today.

This has increased sales 72 per cent a year from £3 million in 2001 to £15.2 million in 2004, though profit margins are slim.

In Partnership in North Street, Horsham, helps IFAs become authorised by the Financial Services Authority and collects commission owed to advisers in return for a fee.

The company, founded by Stanley Lovell, Kevin McDonagh and Julian Cole in 2000, has boosted its sales 71 per cent a year from £3.7 million in 2001 to £18.3 million in 2004, although profit margins are slight.

GHD, a hair product supplier from West Yorkshire whose products are used by Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, topped the list with a 364 per cent annual sales increase from £459,000 in 2001 to £46.1 million in 2004.

Tuesday, December 6, 2005