40. Kabuto Noodles

Founder: Crispin Busk
Founded: January 2011
Website: www.kabutonoodles.com

Instant noodles have been a favourite with university students, time-poor workers and convenience foodies for several years now but never before has there been an “upmarket, healthy” version akin to noodles you would receive in a restaurant. Determined to bridge the gap between restaurant and supermarket, Crispin Busk launched Kabuto Noodles; Asian-inspired noodles made with high quality ingredients without additives or preservatives.

Since its launch in January 2011, the Bristol-based noodle business has scaled rapidly and is now stocked on the shelves of leading UK supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco and Wholefoods, as well as several independents. The instant noodle company has also enjoyed overseas growth with exports trade to Ireland, Spain and Russia. Kabuto Noodles, named after the Samurai warrior’s armoured helmet, has impressive revenue figures to match its client portfolio with £1.35m turnover for 2013 and £2.7m turnover projected for this year; not bad for a company that only has three employees! The noodle company has lots in store over the next 12 months including a new range of rice noodles, signing with a new national retailer and an increase in exports activity.