COMPUTER giant Granville Technology has been named as one of the top fastest growing private companies in the UK.

The Simonstone based group, the largest direct seller of PCs in the country, is fourth in a list of 50 in the country compiled by accountants Price Waterhouse.

Granville Technology, which includes the Time mail order and retail chain, began in a Blackburn corner shop ten years ago and now employs more than 600 people.

Clitheroe conservatory roofing firm Ultraframe has been listed 26th out the UK's 50 top middle market companies.

The league table is based on sales growth over the past five years.

"This is the eighth year that we have researched this list which is now recognised as a leading benchmark of privately owned growth companies," said David Miller, North West senior partner for Price Waterhouse.

"Once again this year's results show a wealth of entrepreneurial energy and talent in our region with a significant number of manufacturing and processing industries as well as service industry enterprises."

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