A company which makes ready-to-eat salads is the fastest-growing business in Sussex after boosting sales by 120 per cent.

Natures Way Foods (NWF) in Chichester Road, Selsey, has increased turnover from £14.5 mill-ion to almost £33 million in three years.

The firm's achievement was recognised at the Sussex MegaGrowth 25 Awards, which aims to highlight the county's finest business talent.

Some 50,000 privately-owned companies were ranked by growth in turnover based on returns to Companies House from 2000 to 2003.

Established in 1994, NWF now employs more than 400 people.

Managing director James Truscott attributed the phenomenal growth to a combination of factors.

He said: "This is a very exciting food market and we continually develop innovative new products.

"Selsey is arguably the best area in Europe for lettuce in the summer and we work closely with local farmers to ensure the best quality.

"Our employees play a key part in the business success and we invest £500,000 annually in their training and development."

In second place was another Chichester company, B.A Peters, yacht agents and distributors, whose turnover grew from £45.5 million to £61.6 million.

Sussex MegaGrowth 25, is a joint initiative by KPMG and Lloyds TSB Corporate. Representatives from the successful companies were presented with certificates by Neil Chapman, senior partner at KPMG, at a celebratory breakfast.

KPMG partner David Forge, creator of the MegaGrowth 25, said: "While we hear about nationally-acclaimed entrepreneurs like Sir Richard Branson, the significant achievements of more local businesses that are vital to future growth and employment in the regional economy can sometimes be overlooked.

"MegaGrowth highlights those companies that have demonstrated their skills in turning ideas into vibrant and profitable business."

Wednesday December 10, 2003