Bookstore '˜thrilled' with national recognition

World of Books, based in Mulberry House, Woods Way, was included in the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report following its strong performance in the retail sector.

The company demonstrated revenue growth over the last three years, with sales reaching £30 million per annum.

Stephen Boobyer, chief executive of World of Books, said: “We are thrilled to be included in this year’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report. Since the company launched in 2008, we have become the largest seller of used books in the UK and Europe. It is a testament to our hard-working employees and partners that we have been able to achieve such rapid growth.

“The SME sector is not without its challenges, but we continue to look for new and innovative ways to grow the business globally.”

The annual Inspire Britain report, which is now in its fourth edition, aims to highlight the lifeblood of the UK economy.

This year’s list reflects the fastest growing and most dynamic companies in the UK, as well as including businesses from more than 40 sectors.

Commenting on the report, Martin McTague, policy director for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Our UK small businesses regularly punch above their weight, and it’s fantastic to see their achievements celebrated. This latest edition of 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain provides a great opportunity to showcase the innovation and creativity at the very root of our economy.

“Last year, the retail sector saw its biggest increase in sales since 2011, with a 6.6 per cent year-on-year growth in October 2016. In a sector that was valued at £339 billion in 2015, it is encouraging for SMEs to see that UK consumers have not been put off by Brexit.”

This announcement comes a month after World of Buzz – the holding company for World of Books – was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for contribution to International Trade.