Solar power distributor Alternergy is the UK's fastest growing company, according to analysis by Real Business and Investec.
Altenergy, a wholesale/distribution company in the solar photovoltaic sector, has a compound annual growth rate of 130 per cent.

The Investec Hot 100 mid-sized private companies are spread across the UK and different sectors, but the research has identified three key factors behind their success.

First, many operate in a defensive sector such as discount retailing and bridging loans, which works well when cash is restricted. The second key factor is conducting work that big companies and the public sector can't, won't or shouldn't do any more. The third factor is having an international focus based around proprietary and/or disruptive technology.

Between them, the Investec Hot 100 companies represent more than 14 sectors, with 16 companies in IT, software and telecoms, and financial and professional services while 13 are in the outsourcing and care services and ten are in energy, gold and commodities.

The full report on the UK's Investec Hot 100 will feature in the Spring issue of Real Business, which will be published on 5th April. It can also be viewed at www.realbusiness.co.uk