ONE of Tenbury’s biggest employers has been recognised by the London Stock Exchange.

Orchard Valley Foods based in Burford has been named as one of the most inspiring companies in the country.

It has been named in the fourth edition of the London Stock Exchange 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

“1000 Companies to Inspire” is London Stock Exchange Group’s celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK and Europe.

As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the annual reports examine in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the British and European economies.

It is the latest in a string of accolades for the company based in Burford that received a Queen’s Award for Export in 2016.

The news also comes at a time of major change for the business that employs more than 70 people and started as a home business.

Earlier this year Orchard Valley Foods revealed that it has been taken over by a Norwegian company.

Staff have been told that the move will help to secure the future of the business as it faces up to changes including the leaving of the European Union.

Mike Forrester, the founder of the business, was a strong supporter of remaining in the EU and warned about the danger of Brexit.

While Norway is not a member of the EU it has a trading agreement.

The company has been sold to Orkla Foods based in Oslo in Norway.

Orchard Valley has defied the economic downtown to expand and increase its market share.

The company manufactures and distributes ingredients for the bakery industry in the UK, Europe and also as far away as Australia.

The UK based brands that it supplies includes M&S as well as other well-known names.

To the year ending May 2016 Orchard Valley Foods had a turnover of almost £24 million – a remarkable story for a business in a small market town that began life as a home business.

Founder and chairman Mike Forrester are staying with the business as business development director and managing director Cherry Blumberg continues in that role.

Orchard Valley Foods produces ingredients for the baking industry including both businesses and home bakers.

As well as the home market it has also invested heavily in growing exports in Europe and all over the world including Australia.

It has invested in a research kitchen in Burford, a new warehouse in Leominster and also in staff training and development including working in partnership with the University of Worcester.

Orchard Valley Foods is one of 18 businesses from Hereford and Worcester, six of which including Orchard Valley Foods are members of the Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

“The 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report recognizes SMEs with consistent revenue growth who are significantly outperforming their industry peers,” said Sharon Smith, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.