Niche Businesses that have blossomed in 2013

With so many big-name brands, huge franchises and well-known high street institutions crumbling in the recession, small and niche businesses are succeeding by strategically plugging the gaps in the market.

Founded in 2003, Global Personals is one of the largest online dating businesses and took 40th place on Deloitte’s 2013 UK Fast 50 winners list. The company has over 12,000 website and 1,700 partners around the world.

Fine dining?
Growing company JUST EAT came in 27th place on the list. The JUST EAT website works as a central hub for local and nearby takeaways. Customers can browse menus, order and pay for their delivery online, as well as rate the service and quality of the restaurants.

As more businesses are having an online presence with bricks and mortar stores also having an ecommerce site, the safety and security of online businesses also comes into question.

Security specialists RandomStorm came in 21st place on the list, offering expert knowledge and specialist software to secure network vulnerabilities – keeping businesses safe from hackers and other malicious attacks.

Net gain
Internet firm Skyscanner are in 22nd place. Following in the footsteps of other price comparison sites, Skyscanner have cornered a gap in the market to find cheap flights which provides users with instant comparisons for flights, car hire and hotels.

Sixteen South came in 7th place on the list. They’re a company dedicated to creating and developing inspired and original children’s television shows. Despite coming from small beginnings, the company now partner with some of the biggest names in the business, such as Sesame Workshop, the BBC and The Jim Henson Company.

With a wide range of niche markets to be covered, there’s little wonder that these companies have been the makers and shakers of this year’s top 50.