A DREAM has come true for three innovative entrepreneurs.

Just a year after they launched their sports nutrition business in Runcorn, it has become the UK’s fastest growing market leader.

The Protein Works employs 20 local people and hopes to double their workforce in 2014.

In a ground breaking partnership, they have designed bespoke training nutrition for Everton Football Club and developed new products such as protein porridge and pancakes.

Director Mark Coxhead, aged 43, said: “We have worked very hard over the past 12 months. We had a very clear strategy to bring a new level of innovation, quality and service to the sports nutrition market.”

The company manufactures its own products in Manor Park and sells them online across the UK and Europe.

Mark teamed up with Nick Smith, aged 42, and Karl Jacobie, aged 49, all former directors of one of the UK’s largest sports nutrition companies.

Mark added: “2014 will be all about continued expansion, with new products, new services, new markets and more staff.

“We believe in investing in the local community. All our staff are recruited locally.”