CARDIFF-based international freight-forwarding company Freight Systems Express (Wales) has been named the number one fastest growing company in Wales this year.

It was launched in 2002 by Geoff Tomlinson, who was brought up and educated in Thanet. The former St George’s School, Broadstairs, student was formerly with Bridgend Freight Forwarding company Ferryline.

Freight Systems Express (Wales) has grown dramatically since then, achieving a turnover of £2.2million in 2004 and an impressive £4.3million in 2005.

Named in the Hot 100 of leading start-up businesses in Wales last year, this announcement demonstrates FSE’s continued efforts to develop the business.

Geoff, who worked at Sericol and then at Thanet council environmental health department, said: "Our goal hasn’t actually been to be a fast-growing company. Our goal has been more about building strong, reliable partnerships with our clients, suppliers and staff.

"Today’s ruthless marketplace means that you can’t afford to provide mediocre service. We believe that the best service comes as a result of open communication with all sectors of the business, whether that’s amongst staff, or respecting and working closely in partnership with suppliers, and of course, forming a 100 per cent reliable communication network with customers.

"We are very honoured to have been recognised with this number one position. It reflects the superb efforts by every single employee in the company, and it gives us the confidence to keep building our business using the same priorities that we set right at the start."

Freight Systems Express (Wales) distributes goods throughout the UK and Europe. From its base in Cardiff, it operates a fleet of 13.6metre trailers, offering express and groupage services as well as part and full loads.

The Wales Fast Growth 50 was published by the Western Mail and compiled by enterprise expert Professor Dylan Jones-Evans of the National Entrepreneurship Observatory for Wales.

Recently Andrea O’Neil, administrations and accounts manager since its launch, who has played a significant role in building the business, was made a company shareholder.