THRIVING Bolton firm Aptus Utilities has made it into The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 as one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK.

The 20th anniversary edition of The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing sales.

The firm, which was a runner up in the Bolton & Bury Business Awards 2016 in the large business category, is a new entrant placed at 66th.

The Westhoughton-based Independent Connections Provider is one of 13 North West businesses to enter the list this year.

Together the region’s 13 businesses that feature in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 have grown sales by an average of 95 per cent a year over three years to a total of £362m, and they employ almost 2,000 staff.

Aptus Utilities saw annual average sales rise by 60.49 per cent over three years, to achieve nearly £20million turnover by March 2016.

Owners Andrew Reay and Jonathan Holden set up the firm in 2010 with a single member of staff and now directly employ more than 140 people.

An emphasis on customer service and gaining repeat business has helped sales grow to £19.8m this year.

The company works alongside Bolton construction firms Seddon Construction and George Cox & Sons, as well as household names such as Barratt and Persimmon Homes, designing and installing gas, water, electricity and street lighting infrastructure on developments.

Aptus Utilities Managing Director Jonathan Holden said he was delighted with the achievement. He said: “Aptus Utilities’ entry into The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 further cements our position as one of the region’s leading multi utility providers.

“Through our first-class service delivery we play a major role in expediting project completions that enable our construction industry clients to meet their targets.”