Nigg shipyard owner Global Energy Group (GEG) has topped a list of fast-growing firms in Scotland.
The Inverness and Aberdeen-based firm placed at 32 in a listing of 100 private companies across the UK with the fastest-growing profits over the last three years.
With 65% growth in annual profits over three years, GEG beat luxury housebuilder Kirkwood Homes to be the fastest-growing firm based north of the border. The Inverurie construction firm enjoyed a 60% boost in profits in recent years, according to the 15th annual Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 league table.
The seven companies headquartered in Scotland that made the list – compared with four last year – together achieved profits of £102million and employ 8,570 staff, having added 1,900 jobs in the last three years.
One of the oldest firms in the table is Tunnock’s, maker of caramel wafers and tea cakes. It started life in 1890 in a Glasgow baker’s shop, and is led by Boyd Tunnock, 81, the founder’s grandson.
Aberdeen-based Saltire Energy was 65th on the list and sixth among Scottish firms with profits growth of 51%.
Martin Gill, of BDO, the sponsor of the league table, said: “Britain endured the longest recession within the G7, yet entrepreneurial businesses in Scotland and across the UK are bouncing back more strongly than their international counterparts.”
