TWO Kent-based businesses have scooped awards for their rapid growth.

For the second year in a row, Tunbridge Wells-based advertising agency WFCA made it into The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 of Britain’s Fastest Growing Private Companies. It was ranked 51st, up from 77th a year ago.

Towergate Partnership, an insurance underwriting business based in Maidstone and valued at around £2billion, was placed 59th. It was founded by Peter Cullum 10 years ago and has grown by acquiring more than 100 insurers. It specialises in niche markets.

WFCA is one of only 11 companies that have shown positive growth the second year round. It enjoyed more than 85 per cent sales growth over the past three financial years, with Towergate just behind on 80 per cent.

WFCA has recently attracted new business from Toys R Us, Foster's Group, and Multiyork.WFCA is ranked the 40th largest ad agency in the UK according to industry bible Campaign.

Michael Richards, WFCA chief executive, said: "Making the Fast Track 100 last year was fantastic but making it for the second year running is wonderful news for us."

John Cristal, founder of the agency, added: "We have continued to demonstrate that successful advertising agencies do not have to be based in London. Tunbridge Wells has excellent rail and road links.

"We are attracting an excellent calibre of person to the business, reflecting our growth and strong position within our sector."

The fastest-growing business in Britain was Travel Republic, which books holidays for more than a million passengers a year. The London company has enjoyed growth of 284 per cent.

Kent has its own Megagrowth 50 listing, published annually by the Kent Messenger Group and sponsored this year by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets and Reeves & Neylan.

The fastest-growing firm in 2007, announced in October, was EMS Security Group of Herne Bay, with 391 per cent growth.