BURY has been revealed as the home of the highest ranked chemical company in the North West.

The Holchem Group, based in Pilsworth, came out top of the seven regional firms in the Fast 25 ranking compiled by global investment bank and asset managers Alantra.

The Pilsworth group manufactures specialist detergents, sanitisers and hygiene technology products, and its business has grown by 11 per cent in the last two years.

To be included in the Fast 25 companies must have had at least £5 million in revenues and earnings of £1 million in their latest accounts.

They must also be private, independent and unquoted.

The chemicals and coatings sector is the UK's largest exporter of manufactured goods with international sales with £50 billion.