Swindon-based Manor Cabinet Company is one of Britain's 100 fastest-growing companies.

The company, which makes bespoke furniture, gained a place on the recently published Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table, which ranks the UK's 100 fastest-growing unquoted companies by sales growth.

Manor Cabinet, founded by Terry McPartlan and Tony Porter in 1996, ranked 12th on the league table and third in the manufacturing section.

Combining computers and carpentry to make upmarket kitchens, the company increased sales 149 per cent a year from £251,000 in 1997 to £3.8m in 2000. It showed considerable strength and resilience for the region, especially in the current demanding economic climate.

Terry McPartlan said: "It is a fantastic result and a testament to the quality of individuals that are working throughout the company.

"What it means is that all of our 70 staff in Swindon are a fantastically committed team.

"This is reflected in the fact that already this year we have broken all records and exceeded our annual target of turnover and profitability by the end of the third quarter.

"That means a likely turnover figure in excess of £6 million in the year ending March 31, 2002, more than double last year's.

"So, hopefully we should stay in the Fast Track 100 for a while."

Stephen Harrison of PricewaterhouseCoopers, which co-sponsors Fast Track 100, said: "I am delighted to see three West-based businesses ranking extremely high in the Fast Track top 100 fastest growing companies in Britain.

"The business community in the region has shown much resilience in responding to the recent economic challenges and the achievements of these three companies importantly encourages an optimistic outlook for the future of the local economy."