Nine Scots firms among fastest-growing 100

NINE Scottish businesses are among the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the UK, newly compiled data shows.

The Investec Hot 100 firms have collectively achieved a growth rate of 44% over the past four years and an average turnover of £150 million in the last financial year.

In Scotland, the nine companies making it on to the “hot 100” list had a combined turnover of £27m between January and March this year, and a fouryear growth rate of 48%.

The full list, which analyses the UK’S fastest-growing midsized private companies, will be published this week.

The highest-ranking Scottish company, coming in fifth, was RIA, an independent securities broker that provides advice to banks, wealth managers and institutional investors.

The others, in order of where they ranked, were: JC Peacock & Co, 9; Parkburn Precision Handling Systems, 25; Balhousie Holdings, 29; Forelle Estates Holdings, 32; First Oil, 54; Edinburgh Partners, 58; Treetop Forestry, 60; and Bertram Nursery Group, 82.

Ed Cottrell, head of Investec’s Growth and Acquisition Finance, said: “Some sectors stand out as strong and downturn-resistant: information technology; outsourced services, which are taking up func- tions formerly held within government and large corporates; and niche and budget retailers, which cater to pricesensitive consumers.”

Matthew Rock, founder and editor of Real Business, said: “The big lesson from this year’s research is that, even in a tough climate, Hot 100 companies stay relevant. They adapt to the dramatic social, demographic and technology changes that are reshaping our world.”