Dragon's Den couple top poll of booming businesses

A SUNDERLAND health food firm founded by a young couple and a Northumberland gothic clothing seller have been identified among the country's fastest growing private companies.

- TOM KEIGHLEY Business writer

Dragons' Den success Rheal, launched by Charlotte Ali, 28, and her husband Sean, 33, tops the North East table of the Sunday Times 100 with sales of £25.5m in the last year according to the company, and a massive 142% average annual growth in the last three years.

The now 45-strong firm was founded in 2017 after Ms Ali, a coeliac disease sufferer, discovered natural “superfoods” improved her low energy levels.

The brand's first products were Clean Greens, which aim to boost immunity and Berry Beauty, targeted at skin health.

The business, which turned down £50,000 on Dragons' Den in 2021, topped last year's list in the North East and is now reported to be eyeing a sale.