A recent survey reveals that the makers of sports car Aston Martin and Sunseeker luxury power boats are among Britain

Other companies, such as Hydrasun, the oilfield-services provider, and exploration business Corpro, have been boosted by record energy prices.

This year’s No 1 is Yorkshire-based AFI-Uplift, which makes powered access lifts, helping the construction industry meet EU safety directives.

Its profits have soared 114% a year from £549,000 in 2003 to £5.4m in 2006, and are expected to almost double in 2007.