Scots trio among fastest growers

Published on Thursday 3 December 2009 20:35

THREE companies in Scotland appear in the latest listing of Britain's 100 private firms with the fastest-growing sales.

Aberdeen-based Global Energy Group has made it on to the league table for the first time, ranked 29th. The company makes, repairs and inspects infrastructure for international energy industry clients such as British Gas.

Chairman Roy MacGregor had previously set up and sold a similar business and founded the company five years ago to provide an alternative job option for his son, who had been offered a position in Australia. Sales grew 103 per cent a year from 11.3m in 2005 to 94.3m in 2008.

Integrated Subsea Services, also Aberdeen-based and listed as 73rd fastest growth company, has made it on to the league table for the third time. This year it has been increasing its presence in South-East Asia, and also acquired an Australian offshore services company. Sales have grown 65 per cent a year from 19.6m in 2005 to 87.6m in 2008.

Forfar-based Balhousie Care Group, the care homes operator, appears at number 88, down from 37th.

The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 is in its 13th year and over the past three years the 100 companies grew their sales by an average of 95 per cent a year.

Together the three Scottish companies directly employ 1,427 and have created 1,130 jobs. Sales have grown an average of 76 per cent a year to combined sales of more than 195m, and they are forecasting further sales growth of 17 per cent this year.