THE success of Oak Furniture Land is being heralded as inspiration to businesses across Swindon after it was ranked among the nation’s top 250 companies.

The company, which was set up by Jason Bannister 10 years ago, has been named in the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table.

It highlights the leading private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales.

Oak Furniture Land has its headquarters in Swindon, as well as 57 showrooms across the country.

In 2013, its sales totalled £146m, and they are forecast to reach more than £190m this year.

The company, which employs 616 people, are positioned 242nd on the 10th annual table.

Jason, 43, said: “Being in Swindon has been hugely beneficial to the business and opening our 300,000sq ft distribution centre last year shows our commitment to the region.

“We have had another fantastic year of growth and it’s great to see this recognised in the Sunday Times league table.”

When Oak Furniture Land originally launched, Jason was selling furniture on eBay and he has seen the business drive forwards over the last decade.

Heydar Faramarzi, the president of Swindon Chamber of Commerce, believes Oak Furniture Land is a great example to the town’s fledgling businesses.

He said: “This is brilliant news and it fills us with great pride to see Swindon businesses performing so well.”

Last year, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson visited the company’s distribution centre, in Viscount Way, South Marston, with MP Michael Fallon as the former business minister officially opened the building.

Justin said: “Oak Furniture Land is a fantastic company which provides a great boost to the local economy providing a significant number of jobs.

“It is fantastic to see it growing at its current rate.”

There are 13 companies based in the south west which have made it into the top 250.

Tim Lincoln, the south west practice leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “These mid-sized businesses are such an integral part of the UK economy.

“They continue to thrive and grow, often on an international stage and their achievements are rightly celebrated here in the top 250.

“We listen carefully to them about the barriers, challenges and opportunities that they see and, through our agents of growth campaign, champion policy changes that will help.

“We think this dynamic segment of the market is starting to find a voice and is being heard.”

For more information visit www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk.