Winemaker Chapel Down and recruitment consultancy the Red Eagle Group are among Kent companies to have been named in the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report.

In its third year, the study aims to recognise the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses.

Chapel Down is the first wine producer ever included in the report and was described as having “blazed a trail in England’s winemaking and craft beer market” after its successful crowdfunding campaign in 2014, which raised nearly £4 million.

Chief executive Frazer Thompson said: “Being recognised by the London Stock Exchange as one of Britain’s most inspiring companies is a great honour and it is humbling to be the first wine producer to feature.

“We strive to push boundaries in all areas of our business, whether that be through product innovation, record-breaking crowdfunding or expansion in to new categories such as beer and cider, and it is extremely rewarding to be recognised for this.”

Two recruitment firms in Kent made the list.

Triple KEiBA winner Swanstaff Recruitment in Dartford and Red Eagle Group in Folkestone were recognised for their turnover breaking into £10-£20 million territory.

Other entrants included Yalding-based Maviga, a trader of dried edible pulses, with turnover in the £150-£200 million bracket, and Sevenoaks-based Universal Meats UK, which imports and exports meat products, where turnover was more than £100 million.

Children’s clothes retailer Childrensalon, based in Tunbridge Wells, also made the cut, as did Arden Maidstone Limited, a BMW dealership in Aylesford.

The list also featured Cygnet Health Care, the medical company which has submitted a planning application to open a mental health hospital in Maidstone.

London Stock Exchange chief executive Xavier Rolet said: “High growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need.

“But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance.”