A BOLTON travel firm has been ranked among the UK’s fastest growing businesses.

Travel Counsellors, in Churchgate, Bolton, is celebrating after being named in the Hot 100 ranking of the the country’s fastest-growing private companies.

The independent travel company was ranked 39th in the list, which was compiled by magazine Real Business.

The list ranks companies across the UK according to their compound growth over the past four years.

Travel Counsellors has recorded compound sales growth of 42 per cent over the period, with sales of £346 million for the 2010/2011 financial year.

Managing director Steve Byrne said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised in the list as it reflects the professionalism and commitment of all of the people in the business and the care they show for each other and their customers.

“They deserve the recognition and accolades for being exceptional at what they do.”

Real Business published the first Hot 100 list in 1997, showcasing the fastest-growing companies in Britain at the time.

Research shows that the most successful companies see customer service and innovation as the most important factors in their business.

Mr Byrne said: “A company can never stand still.

“We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to support our travel counsellors to enable us to build personal relationships with our customers and make the firm a great place to work.

“This includes the development of our own inhouse packaging system, which we have made even more efficient and richer in content, incorporating feedback from our agents and their customers.”

Travel Counsellors’ continued success has also recently been recognised when the company was listed in the 2011 Sunday Times International Fast Track for international growth and the Daily Telegraph’s 1,000 Britain’s Brightest Businesses.

The full list can be seen in the magazine or at realbusiness.co.uk