Grand Union tops list of hospitality operators in Fast Track 100
Three hospitality operators have made it into this year's Sunday Times Fast Track 100](http://www.fasttrack.co.uk) list.
Restaurant-bar chain Grand Union led the pack at number 52 in the Fast Track, which highlights the UK's quickest-growing companies by sales.
The group, founded in 2006 by former chefs Adam Marshall and Adam Saword, has seen sales grow by 72% a year since it was set up from a turnover of £1.2m in 2007 to £5.9m in 2010.
Preston pub operator Amber Taverns came in at 63. Founded in 2005 by chairman Clive Preston with investment from venture capitalists, the company was subject to a management buyout for an undisclosed sum in October, with backing from private equity house LGV. Amber Taverns has experienced an annual sales growth rate of 63% a year with annual turnover of £13.9m.
Catering Academy, the only contract caterer to feature on the list, entered the Fast Track for the second year running this time at 76. Founded by Kevin Cannon and Louise Wymer in Staffordshire in 2004, it operates 110 sites across Britain in the education and business and industry sectors. Sales have risen 54% a year, from £4.3m in 2006 to £15.8m in 2009 and the caterer has some 668 employees.
Founder director Wymer said: "To rank for a second year running in an economically uncertain period is an unbelievable achievement for Team Academy, and one which we are extremely proud of."
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By Neil Gerrard
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