A GWYNEDD catering company has been listed among the most inspirational companies in Britain by a leading business report.

Harlech Foodservice has been named on the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2016 report.

The list singles out fast-growing SMEs from across Britain that have demonstrated excellence and innovation in their sector.

Harlech Foodservice employs 150 people and had a turnover of £25 million in 2015, operating from depots in Llanystumdwy, Chester and Shrewsbury.

The company has grown steadily by diversifying its offering to customers.

It acquired a butchery business in 2012, which alone generates a turnover of £4m a year, and has secured partnerships with specialists in fresh fruit and vegetables, wines and craft ales, and niche produce for high-end hotels and restaurants.

Andrew Foskett, joint managing director of Harlech Foodservice, said that staff were also central to the company’s success, alongside diversification.

He said: “Our staff have been absolutely crucial to our growth. We firmly believe in finding the person with the right skills and attitude, and encouraging them to grow and develop in their respective roles.

“About five years ago, we moved to a bigger depot after outgrowing our previous premises, which had started to inhibit our development. We extended it last year, and we’re looking to other ways of expanding the business in the future.

“I think the other key aspect of our growth has been diversifying what we offer. Customers want to have something weird and wonderful on their menu, which is different to what their competitors can offer.

“We’ve focused on finding the right contacts and partnerships to give them those products, and that’s paid dividends both in new business and increasing sales of our other products.

“The butchery has also been a huge success. You have to get your offering spot-on from the start to build brand loyalty – one mistake and you lose a customer forever.

“We’ve worked really hard to build up a loyal customer base, which is continuing to grow.”