Panache Cruises has been named the fastest growing business in the north of England for 2023.

The luxury cruise agency was awarded the title as part of the Fast Growth 50 Index in the North of England, sponsored by UBS, which recognises “significant entrepreneurial success” across the region among fifty firms which have collectively achieved £1 billion in turnover in 2022.

Panache Cruises founder and CEO James Cole said the agency was “absolutely delighted” to have come first place in the UBS initiative.

“I founded Panache Cruises in July 2020 in the height of the pandemic, and at a time when everyone told me that I was mad to be starting a cruise business when the international travel industry was pretty much closed down.

“Now, three years on, we are seen as the top performing company in the north of England which is an amazing achievement, and an accolade I dedicate to my fantastic colleagues who have worked tirelessly to make our business thrive.”

Panache Cruises making ‘substantial’ contribution to UK economy

This year, Panache will have achieved a turnover of £20 million, grown its team to 52 and in the last few weeks moved to its new offices at Strawberry Fields Digital Hub in Chorley.

“And, not only that, but also launched our business in the USA and have recently appointed our 12th apprentice with an ambition to employ 100 by 2030,” Cole continued.

Founder of Fast Growth 50 Dylan Jones-Evans said the index demonstrates that a small number of “fast growth” firms, such as Panache, make a “substantial contribution to the UK’s economic landscape”.