Business

Ten firms from north among the top

Ten companies from northern Ireland are included in tomorrow's Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250, the league table of the UK's leading mid-market private companies.

Despite a weak domestic economy, the 10 companies all increased sales or profits by at least 10 per cent year-on-year, achieving combined sales of £2.9 billion and employing more than 8,900 people. new entrants to the table this year include Tandragee-based snacks-maker Tayto. Led by group chief executive Paul Allen (44), it grew its sales 19 per cent to £162 million in 2012, partially by acquiring brands such as Golden Wonder and Mr Porky.

A second newcomer to the roster of mid-market private companies is Chain Reaction Cycles in Ballyclare.

now the largest online bike store in the world, delivering to 100 countries, its sales grew 14 per cent to £156m in 2012, with 40 per cent generated outside Europe.

The northern Ireland companies by 2012 rank are: n 15th - Lissan Coal Company Cookstown - £542.5m sales, £12.5m profit, 128 staff. n 27th - Ballyvesey Holdings, newtownabbey - £469.3m sales, £7.1m profit, 2041 staff. n 45th - W & R Barnett, Belfast - £417.7m sales, £16.7m profit, 256 staff.

n 73rd - Graham Construction, Hillsborough - £323m sales, £6m profit, 1,346 staff. n 74th - nicholl Fuel Oils, Derry - £322.4m sales, £1.8m profit, 96 staff. n 156th - norbrook Laboratories, Newry - £191.7m sales, £22.4m profit, 1,724 staff. n 193rd - Tayto

Crisps, pictured, Tandragee - £162.1m sales, £4m profit, 1,345 staff. n 205th - Wright Group, Ballymena - £156.9m sales, £4.4m profit, 1,203 staff. n 208th - Chain Reaction Cycles, Ballyclare - £155.6m sales, £1.1m profit, 614 staff.

n 209th - Clearway, Portadown - £154.8m sales, £9.7m profit, 149 staff.

The companies in northern Ireland feature on the league table alongside national household names such as nando's, Selfridges, Virgin Active, Warburtons and Yeo Valley. David Maxwell, partner at title sponsor Grant Thornton, said: "It's great to see private mid-sized businesses - including many which we have helped support - making such a positive contribution to the UK economy. "Impressive leadership is ensuring they prosper despite tough trading conditions, with many companies expanding through their international operations and all making sure they retain and engage talented people in the UK."