Gary Lineker's company named Britain's fastest-growing after extraordinary three year surge

Gary Lineker's media production company Goalhanger has been named Britain's fastest-growing private company in the latest Sunday Times ranking.The podcast producer, co-founded by the former England striker, recorded £37.9million in sales last year after averaging annual growth of 321 per cent over the past three years.Goalhanger is the company behind The Rest is podcast series, including The Rest is Politics, The Rest is Football and The Rest is History.The business operates from London with a workforce of approximately 80 staff. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Its podcast portfolio also includes The Rest is Entertainment, hosted by Richard Osman and Guardian columnist Marina Hyde.The Rest is Politics, fronted by former Conservative minister Rory Stewart and Labour's Alastair Campbell, has become one of the company's most successful productions.Goalhanger said its podcasts have attracted more than 750 million listeners, with audience numbers accelerating following the coronavirus pandemic.The company has expanded its business model beyond advertising revenues through subscriptions and commercial partnerships.Goalhanger announced in January that it had surpassed 250,000 paid subscribers for the first time.Reports have suggested the subscriber business generates approximately £15million in annual revenue.The company has also secured a reported £14million agreement with Netflix.Under the arrangement announced in December, Netflix will broadcast The Rest is Football during the World Cup, featuring Gary Lineker alongside fellow former England players Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.The success of the business has attracted outside investment from US-based media group The Chernin Group.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSMajor British water company to pay out £44.7million over 'serious and unacceptable' sewage breachesMajor British airline crashes into administration as 178 staff lose jobsWilliam Hill owner agrees £243.1million takeover by gambling giantThe Los Angeles investment firm acquired a minority stake in Goalhanger in January, with TCG partner Greg Bettinelli joining the company's board as a director.Companies House filings show Mr Lineker holds at least a 25 per cent stake in the business.Goalhanger was founded in 2018 by Tony Pastor, the former ITV controller of sport, alongside Mr Lineker and former journalist Jack Davenport.The company has also expanded into investment activity through a newly launched venture capital division focused on backing creator-led media businesses.Goalhanger has already taken a stake in Invisible Media and formed a partnership with Backyard Cricket, both of which are focused on YouTube content creation. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter