Award-winning company A-Star Sports has confirmed its status as a British rising star by being included in the prestigious Startups 100 list, an accolade for the UK's business newcomers.

Established only in November last year by three couples – Gary and Sharon Bassett, Kevin and Caroline Key, and Alister and Lorna Ramm - the franchise, which provides multi-sports coaching for children from two to ten years old, has already won a clutch of awards.

Gary Bassett said: "The Startups 100 list seeks out the companies with real potential, businesses which are likely to go on to be major providers of jobs, growth and business innovation in the future.

"It is a great honour to be included in this select band and to have the approbation of your peers in the business world, especially after such a short time in full-scale operation."

Launched in 2008, the Startups 100 was the first and bar-setting countdown of the top 100 new companies in the country. The criteria for listing include innovation, impressive achievements, a viable business model and growth potential. 

Steph Welstead, of Startups, said: "Previous winners have gone on to phenomenal successes. Huddle, Shortlist Media, Naked Wines, Wonga and Zoopla are just a few of our alumni, and we have equally high hopes for the companies on our latest list."
The company now has 11 territories throughout England and Scotland, and is targeting a total of 40 within three years.