Two Caerphilly-based companies have been named among the top 100 fastest growing companies in the UK.
Direct Healthcare Services was ranked 17th in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table alongside SERS Energy Solutions which came in at 96th.
Direct Healthcare Services, based on the Western Industrial Estate, makes pressure-relieving mattresses for hospitals and care homes. Expansion into Israel, Ireland and Holland helped sales rise 122% per annum over three years to £5.3 million.
Managing director Graham Ewart said: “As a UK manufacturer of pressure area care products, we are extremely proud to be recognised as flying the flag for fast growing British companies, especially in such challenging economic times.
“Winning large contracts with public sector organisations and exporting our products abroad has ensured the business has achieved significant success over the past three years.
“Our location in Caerphilly has been absolutely fundamental to the growth and success rate of the business. We have access to a highly skilled workforce who are experts in quality processes and pressure care production.
“The next stage in our development will be to grow our market share across the UK and over the next five years, to increase our overseas exports to Asia and Europe.”
SERS Energy Solutions, based on Caerphilly’s Gallagher Retail Park, works with local governments, housing associations and energy firms to make homes more energy efficient.
Its sales reached £26.2m last year, more than double the value in 2011.
SERS director Mike Roberts said the listing in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league was something the company could only have dreamt of a few years ago.
He said: “The prestige of getting a ranking in this league reflects the huge steps made by SERS to grow its business. The need for warm homes to reduce fuel bills and conserve energy has never been more important and our growth reflects the quality of the work which our people achieve. It’s a fantastic achievement.”
In a separate development SERS scooped a sought-after industry award after being named Retrofit Installer of the Year for the high standard of its insulation work.
Sir Richard Branson of Virgin, the title sponsor, said: “There has never been a better time to grow a business in the UK, as this year’s Fast Track 100 list proves.
“The pick-up in confidence and the speed at which technology is changing markets means there are plenty of opportunities for innovative businesses with entrepreneurial spirit and great ideas to thrive.
“The Fast Track 100 companies continue to exceed expectations.
“Let’s hope they act as a spur to the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs.”
Swansea City Football Club was the third Welsh company to make the list after promotion to the Premiership boosted sales, to £67.1m this year.