London Stock Exchange Names Unruly In ‘1000 Companies To Inspire Britain’

• Landmark research identifies some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK
• Unique focus on broad metrics beyond short-term revenue and profit growth
• Launch event held with CEOs from around Britain at London Stock Exchange

London Stock Exchange is delighted to announce it has today launched a landmark research report ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

The report is a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the publication examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.

The research paints a vibrant picture of the British economy, as well as dispelling certain myths: manufacturing, for example, accounts for almost a fifth of the companies within the index. The UK’s technology is in very good health, with 105 tech businesses making the list of 1,000. Over 100 sectors in total are represented; from architecture and automotive, to venture capital and wine, with companies from across every region of the UK.

Greater London accounts for 267 companies out of the 1,000, with the remainder spread evenly across the country. South East England and North West England are separated by just 18 companies with a number of regional hubs being highlighted in the report.

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, London Stock Exchange Group said: “The UK has some of the most inspiring growth businesses in the world. Our report showcases some of these fast-growing and dynamic companies; the type of companies we believe will help fuel the long-term growth of the UK economy. Working with the Government and the wider financial community, we need to foster an ecosystem that promotes the right type of funding for businesses at each stage of their journey, so that together, we can drive our own prosperity.”

The report was compiled and audited by Growth Intelligence, a UK software company specialising in monitoring the real-time data footprint of UK companies. To be considered for inclusion in the report, companies had to meet a range of criteria. These included being UK based, having a turnover of between £6-250 million in the last 12 months and a minimum of three years in operation. Companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings.

Household names that made the 1,000 companies include:

• Mulberry • Aardman Animations • Jack Wills • Addison Lee • Hunter Boots • Cath Kidston • Naked Wines • Mind Candy (producers of Moshi Monsters) • Moonpig • Metro Bank • Boohoo.com • Brewdog

A full searchable database of all of the companies can be found online at www.1000companies.com

The report in numbers:

Regional • 267 companies from Greater London • 110 companies from the North West • 128 companies from the South East • 85 companies from Yorkshire & The Humber • 64 Scottish companies included

Sector • Over 100 sectors represented • Manufacturing accounts for nearly one fifth of the list (193) • 26 Construction and Real Estate companies from North West England • 33 West Midlands companies in the Engineering Defence & Aerospace sector • 12 arts and fashion companies from Greater London

The report was supported by Capita Asset Services, Cenkos Securities, HSBC, Octopus Investments, and Workspace.

Dan Howlett, Head of Corporate Banking UK, HSBC: “We are proud to be sponsoring this timely new research from London Stock Exchange, which highlights the key role of our most enterprising and fastest-expanding MME’s. The research showcases the talent and innovation of the too often ‘forgotten army’ who are leading the economic revival and inspiring the next generation of business entrepreneurs.”

Jim Durkin, Chief Executive Officer, Cenkos Securities plc: “Small and mid-sized companies are vitally important to the UK economy. SMEs account for over half of UK private sector employment and turnover. Aggregate bank lending figures mask the turbulence that companies have felt and the more fundamental truth that equity finance is often the most appropriate structure to finance growth. It is permanent capital that takes a long view.”

Justin Cooper, Chief Executive of Shareholder solutions, Capita Asset Services:  “When we heard about the ‘1000 Companies To Inspire Britain’ project we were immediately keen to get involved as much of our work is supporting small and medium sized businesses as they grow. A sure sign that the British economy is recovering can be seen in the number of new IPOs particularly on AIM, highlighting both the success of these companies and investors’ renewed confidence in them.”

Jamie Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of Workspace Group: “The report’s conclusions, combined with our own first-hand knowledge, suggest that it is time to identify and celebrate a grouping of new and growing companies (or NGCs) that share the same characteristics and energy and are pulling away from the broad SME pack.

These companies and their dynamic leaders are having a significant impact on the UK’s employment creation and economic growth.  By shining a light on them we hope to provide stimulation for policymakers to bring a specific focus to bear on these high growth companies.”

Guy Myles, Co-founder and Managing Director of Octopus Investments:  “Entrepreneurs and their talent for innovation are at the heart of our economic prosperity. So not only should we feel inspired by the companies featured in this report, but we should also celebrate the many thousands of fledgling businesses playing a critical role in driving growth in their communities and the broader UK economy.

“The UK is currently experiencing a surge in entrepreneurship and it’s vital that we do everything we can to support the next generation of businesses and foster a thriving enterprise ecosystem. At Octopus we believe that giving retail investors a way to share in the growth potential of smaller companies is an important part of achieving this, and it enables us to play a meaningful role in financing and championing UK smaller companies.”