Leading UK port operator, Peel Ports Group, has been recognised as the UK’s top company in this year’s Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table.
Its development plans and strong financial results were key factors in the Liverpool-based business leaping 25 places ahead on its 2014 ranking.
Compiled by research and networking events company Fast Track, the annual table ranks Britain's top performing private companies and entrepreneurs.
Peel Ports posted an operating profit of more than $210 million for the year ending March 2015 as a result of consistent growth over the last five years.
Mark Whitworth, CEO of Peel Ports, said: “This ranking recognises not only our strong financial performance but the importance of our continuing focus on responding to ever-evolving customer needs.
“We are currently investing £650 million [$997 million] in infrastructure projects, including £100 million [$153 million] in a new biomass terminal, £125 million [$191 million at Port Salford on the Manchester Ship Canal and more than US$460 million on a landmark terminal expansion project Liverpool2.
“However, despite continued pressure on margins, we remain committed to helping customers deliver their goods to market, with reduced costs, less congestion and lower carbon emissions.”
Watch a video on Liverpool2’s development
Mr Whitworth concluded: “To receive this recognition in the face of tough competition from our peers is a testament to the hard work of our 2,700 employees.”
