Company is growing fast

8:32am Saturday 20th October 2007

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A NORTHWICH firm started in a kitchen just three years ago is the fastest growing technology company in the north west.

Online retailer TheHut.com, based at Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, topped the regional section of the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 list and was placed 18th in the country.

The firm that sells DVDs, CDs, games, memory and books online saw its sales soar from £692,000 in 2005 to £5.7m in 2007 - an increase of 187 per cent.

As well as Internet sales, it also provides websites for all sizes of businesses, from retail giants such as Asda and Dixons to smaller traders.

It is a far cry from a firm started in 2004 by John Gallemore, 38, in his home with friend and business partner Matthew Moulding, 35, who lives in Northwich.

John said: "Matt bought a CD online and couldn't believe how cheap it was.

"So we looked into how to sell smaller items through the Internet and it has spiralled from there."

Mr Gallemore was former head of finance for 20-20 Mobile Group's International Trading business in Stoke.

He added: "I wanted to break free from the grind of a nine-to-five existence and become my own boss."