Chapel Down is first wine producer named in '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain'

Showcasing the UK's "fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized businesses", the selection criteria requires companies to have shown not just growing revenue over at least three to four years, but also to have outperformed their sector peers through growth in employee numbers, square footage and number of filed patents.

The Kent-based company was included in the list because it was deemed to have "blazed a trail in England's winemaking and craft beer market", as well as its several marquee crowdfunding campaigns including breaking the record for the largest crowdfund in 2014 (£3.95m) and an ongoing crowdfund already raising more than £1.5m.  

The winery also received recognition for its contribution to tourism, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors to its vineyard in Tenterden, Kent, each year.

Frazer Thompson, Chapel Down CEO, said: "Being recognised by the London Stock Exchange as one of Britain's most inspiring companies is a great honour and it is humbling to be the first wine producer to feature. 

"We strive to push boundaries in all areas of our business, whether that be through product innovation, record-breaking crowdfunding or expansion in to new categories such as beer and cider, and it is extremely rewarding to be recognised for this."

Other notable inclusions in the report for the on-trade include BrewDog, Signature Pubs, Pearmain Pubs, Jugged Hare owners ETM Group and Mr Fogg's owners Inception Group.

Contributing to the publication, Chancellor George Osborne wrote: "UK high-growth businesses are leading the charge in rebuilding our economy. These companies are the backbone of the British economy. They create high-quality, well-paid jobs, innovate and drive economic growth. This Government fully understands the need to support ambitious entrepreneurs and ensure they can access the finance they need to grow."