Chess moves up Real Business Hot List
Chess has been recognised again for its successful strategy of growth by ranking 37th in The Real Business/LDC Hot 100 2007.
Based on compound average growth rates (CAGR) over a four-year period, the Hot 100 is a ranking of the fastest growing privately owned companies in Great Britain and has revealed a diverse mix of businesses.
Chess attributes its 91.7 per cent growth to its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to business. The Hot 100 is testimony to the vitality and spirit of Britain’s entrepreneurs.
“It’s something to celebrate,” says Grant Berry, head of new business at LDC, the private equity specialists that sponsor the survey. “To be growing profitably when the market is so competitive is a testament to the determination of the country’s entrepreneurs”
Chess’ high ranking in the Hot 100 has come at an eventful time for the business. As well as being shortlisted for two National Business Awards, Chess chief executive, David Pollock has been nominated for the highly prestigious, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Grant Berry sees entrepreneurs, such as David as “an inherently optimistic bunch. They have a different mind-set. You need to be positive to take the step these people have taken to create a business.”
According to Berry, sustained growth depends on your people: “It’s about maintaining a positive company culture. You’ve got to get that spirit of endeavour – the same spirit the original entrepreneur had at the beginning – working among the whole team.”
Chess’ Blueprint for Success is instrumental in ensuring the unique core culture of the business is kept alive. “Chess has always been an ambitious organisation,” says chief executive, David Pollock. “We don’t want to be known as the best of the best, we want to be known as the only ones who do what we do. This is our challenge on our business growth journey and it sets us apart. To be ranked as number 30 in the UK Hot 100 is a fantastic achievement and has come at a very exciting time for Chess.”
The Hot 100 is published and produced by Real Business, the leading magazine for entrepreneurs and fast-growth companies in the UK. It is sponsored by LDC, a leading private equity company owned by Lloyds TSB