WITNEY brewers and pub owners Hobgoblinns has been listed as one of Europe's fastest growing companies.

The firm, which owns the Wychwood Brewery together with a chain of 34 pubs, has been placed at number 37 by Europe's 500 - an association for dynamic entrepreneurs operating under the patronage of the European Commission.

Hobgoblinns has achieved a 1,842 per cent rise in turnover since it was founded in 1992. It now employs 279 people and plans to recruit more this year.

Managing director Ian Rogers said: "We are delighted to be recognised as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe and are particularly pleased that we are the highest placed brewing and pub company."

Europe's 500 operates under the patronage of the European Commission. It publishes an annual listing based on strict criteria including turnover growth, size, independence and employment creation.

Hobgoblinns was selected from more than 20,000 high-growth small to medium sized enterprises in 18 countries.

Recent pub acquisitions include the Hobgoblin, in St Aldate's, Oxford, formerly the Bulldog, and the Hobgoblin in Bicester. It plans to expand by at least ten more in 1999 and the company is currently looking at more prospective purchases in Oxford and the surrounding area.

Wychwood Brewery produces ales such as Hobgoblin, Fiddler's Elbow and Old Father Time, brewed to celebrate the Millennium. During 1999 the company will brew Solar Eclipse to mark the August eclipse and Rugby Special for the Rugby World Cup.

Story date: Monday 08 March

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