A WORCESTERSHIRE company has topped the 16th annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, which lists Britain’s privately-owned companies with the fastest-growing sales over the last three years.
Shopping channel jewellery retailer the Genuine Gemstone Company, which is based in Redditch, was set up in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Steve Bennett as his first high-profile venture.
His previous company, Software Warehouse, was on the Fast Track 100 for three consecutive years between 1997 and 1999, before Mr Bennett sold it for £37million in 2000.
Partly as a result of acquisition, Genuine Gemstone’s sales soared 245 per cent a year, from £1.3million in 2009 to £54.5million in 2012.
Mr Bennett said: “I am delighted and almost overwhelmed that The Genuine Gemstone Company has been recognised as Britain’s fastest-growing private company, against all other private companies in the UK.
“It gives my team and I a real sense of achievement that a family-run, fine jewellery company could achieve the number one position during Britain's longest post-war recession.
“It just shows there is an ever-growing demand for ethically-sourced, naturally beautiful gemstone jewellery at affordable prices.
“However, we’re no strangers to the Fast Track 100. Back in 1997, my previous company Software Warehouse featured in the very first Fast Track 100 Table and then for another two consecutive years.
“My family and I will be raising a glass this Christmas to all of our customers and colleagues who have helped us to become Britain’s fastest-growing private company.”