MILLIE'S Cookies -- the chain run by local businessman Richard O'Sullivan -- is the fastest growing privately-owned company in the North-west.

It tops a list which accountants Arthur Andersen have compiled for a regional business magazine.

Millie's Cookies, which was founded in 1985, operates from 100 sites and employs more than 850 people.

The business sells around 50 million cookies a year and there is an annual turnover of more than £22 million.

It topped the magazine's list ahead of companies such as Focus Do It All, United Norwest Foodstores and Pets At Home after posting an average annual increase in turnover of more than 282 per cent over the last four years.

The company was second in last year's list and 22nd in 1999.

Managing director Richard O'Sullivan operates from his five-bedroom home in Lostock, or by his mobile telephone as he travels the country.

He does not believe in the need for a prestigious head office structure. Millie's Cookies -- the UK brand leader in freshly-baked American-style cookies and muffins -- operates from prime locations at major shopping centres, airports and train stations.

The plan is to double the size of the company in the UK over the next three years -- maybe opening one shop in the Bolton area -- and perhaps expanding overseas to Spain and other European countries.

Mr O'Sullivan said the success of the company was a testament to hard work over recent years.

He said: "Since we began 16 years ago Millie's has grown every year without fail.

"Over recent years we have been opening new stores at a rate of one every 10 working days and we now have a presence in almost every major retail environment in the country."

He added: "Becoming the fastest-growing company in the region is proof that a well-run business, with a fantastic offer and with good staff behind it, can achieve success even in the toughest and most competitive conditions."