Greater Manchester Fastest 50 announced
Wednesday 1 May 2019
The businesses which made it into the 2019 Greater Manchester Ward Hadaway Fastest 50, the comprehensive list of the region's fastest-growing companies, are revealed.
The list highlights and celebrates the achievements of the profitable, privately-owned companies in the region which have seen the biggest average turnover growth in the last three years.
The Awards event is organised by leading law firm Ward Hadaway and has been backed for the very first time by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and University of Salford Business School.
This year's Ward Hadaway Greater Manchester Fastest 50 spans a wide range of sectors from food and drink manufacturers to transport, technology and online retailers, showcasing the vibrancy and strength of the regional economy.
Paul Johnson, Executive Partner in Ward Hadaway's Greater Manchester office, said: “We are very proud to present the Ward Hadaway Greater Manchester Fastest 50 once again. At this time of uncertainty, it's more important than ever to celebrate the businesses and organisations that strive to make a difference.
“The list demonstrates the companies which are succeeding in growing their businesses, creating jobs and prosperity and attracting investment into the area.
“It is these companies which are the growth drivers of the Manchester economy and they deserve the accolades and the attention which being in the Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 brings them.
“Congratulations to all those in this year's list. All of those listed have consistently grown their businesses over a number of years whilst remaining profitable – something which we can all celebrate."
Dr Gordon Fletcher, retail expert in the University of Salford Business School, said: “Manchester's Fastest 50 list is proof that the regional economy is vibrant and diverse. The city and region remains true to its industrial heritage with manufacturing, logistics and textiles all well represented.
“The strength of current local growth can also be recognised with both housing and construction firms making the Fastest 50. Most reassuring is the wider mix of IT, media and health specialists also making the list showing that Manchester continues to solidify its role as a strong counter-balance to existing London based R&D and technology hubs.
“The increasing importance of technology particularly machine learning and AI capability is a key building block in the growth of all the sectors in the list.
“Ensuring that home-grown technology and innovation can continue to play a pivotal role in the economic development of the region should be a key policy priority for local, regional and central government.”
Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara, Head of Research at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, added: "We are extremely pleased to see so many Greater Manchester based businesses, many Greater Manchester Chamber members amongst them, thriving and being recognised for the important contributions they make to their local economy and the communities in which they operate.
“This year's Fastest 50 includes companies in different sectors - amongst others, those offering data management software and analytics solutions, retail, wholesale and distribution and manufacturing - a testament to how varied and diverse Greater Manchester's business landscape is.
“Recent political instability may have caused uncertainty for many businesses. Nonetheless, the success of the companies in the list shows that our economy is robust, and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
From dominating international trade with textiles and cotton to helping the city region become a recognised hub for creative industries and digital, Greater Manchester's businesses exemplify the 'keep calm and carry on' approach. They continue to do what they do best - develop innovative products and services, and in that process create wealth, jobs and opportunities both at home and abroad.
"Greater Manchester Chamber is committed to working with Government and others to ensure that that our businesses' achievements are celebrated and that our city region continues to have the right environment for business success. Working alongside our members and partners, we want to help forge an ecosystem that develops the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
"Our congratulations to all the companies in the list for their passion, ambition and success. Their recognition is truly well deserved."
The Greater Manchester Fastest 50 list is compiled using publicly available financial data from Companies House.
Following today’s publication of the full A to Z list, the Fastest 50 Awards will take place on Friday, May 10th, at a special event at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester when the winners will be revealed.
Awards will be given to the fastest growing small, medium and large business with one of these three winners going on to be named the overall fastest growing Greater Manchester business for 2019.
Here is the Fastest 50 for 2019 in alphabetical order:
Abbott Informatics, Sale
This Sale-based company delivers laboratory data management software solutions for a variety of sectors, including pharmaceutical and biotech, manufacturing, food and drink, public health and forensics.
Amelia Knight, Knutsford
Established in 1998, this organisation supplies private label and branded cosmetics to retailers in the beauty industry around the world.
American Essentials International Limited, Oldham
Oldham-based American Essentials licence the rights to sell Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger socks worldwide and in North America respectively.
Amoria Bond, Manchester
Established in 2006, this Manchester-based recruitment consultant trades in over 40 countries from its UK base and specialises in the technology, SAP, energy, engineering, banking and finance and life sciences sectors.
Antala Ltd, Stockport
This company was established in 1999 and specialises in the sale and implementation of chemical products and specialised equipment for industrial companies.
Aptus Utilities, Bolton
Aptus Utilities make the Fastest 50 list for an impressive fourth year in a row. They design, build and install gas, water, electricity and street lighting infrastructure for housing developers and construction clients.
ASM Technologies Limited, Winsford
Winsford-based ASM Technologies provides IT and technology-based supplier rationalisation of non-core and non-focus hardware, software and services.
Bryden Capital Ltd, Manchester
Bryden Capital Ltd is the parent company of the Bryden Capital group of companies which operates as a venture capitalist investment company as well as providing accountancy, HR and business administration services for a wide range of organisations.
Candour Logistics, Warrington
From its base in Warrington, Candour Logistics offers logistics and freight forwarding services worldwide for customers ranging from SMEs to PLCs.
Cardinal Maritime, Manchester
This logistics company has been in operation for over 20 years and provides shipping import and export services, transport and warehousing and air and road services.
Castlefield, Manchester
Headquartered in Manchester with further operations in the Midlands, London and the South East, and the South West, Castlefield are investment and advisory businesses. They appear in the Greater Manchester Fastest 50 list for the third year in a row.
Chrystal Consulting, Manchester
This Manchester-based organisation provides capital, lease and managed service related advisory services to over 100 Public Sector organisations. They were crowned last year's fastest growing large company.
Converge TS, Daresbury
Converge TS offers a fully managed private cloud service tailored for law firms. They make it a hat-trick of appearances in the Greater Manchester Fastest 50 list after finishing 16th in 2017 and 8th in 2018.
CorpAcq, Altrincham
CorpAcq was formed in 2006 and are a corporate acquisitions and investments group with over 30 companies in their portfolio. They also made last year's Fastest 50 list.
Crown Oil Limited, Bury
Established in 1928 when Harry Greensmith began selling lamp oil door to door in Heywood, Crown Oil now supply diesel, kerosene, industrial heating oil, domestic heating oil and lubricants nationwide.
DOMU Brands, Manchester
This online retailer sells a variety of lifestyle brands for the kitchen, home and garden, beauty storage, health and fitness and petware.
Eccleston Homes, Warrington
This housebuilder broke Fastest 50 records last year by becoming the first company ever to win the overall fastest growing business trophy for two consecutive years.
EDM Ltd, Manchester
Another company to return to the list for a second year in a row are this Manchester-based company which provides training simulators to the civil aviation, defence, rail and other industries.
Forrest Fresh Foods, Rochdale
This wholesale soft drinks and confectionary supplier deliver products nationwide from its Rochdale base.
Godel Technologies, Manchester
This software development company makes it a hat-trick of appearances in the Fastest 50 list after finishing 19th in 2017 and 10th last year. Employing over 300 people at its offices in Manchester, London and Belarus, it has worked with companies including Jet2.com, Experian and The Trainline.
Harry Peers Steelwork, Bolton
Established in 1933, this Bolton-based company specialise in the project management, design, fabrication and erection of structural steelwork contracts within the petrochemical, process, pharmaceutical and nuclear industries.
IMS Euro Limited, Stockport
Suppliers of non-pharmaceutical medical products to doctors and veterinary surgeons, this Stockport-based business makes the Greater Manchester Fastest 50 list for the third year in a row.
Inrix Holdings UK Ltd, Altrincham
Founded in 2005, this organisation provides internet services and data mobility relating to road traffic and driver services.
InXpress, Rochdale
InXpress partner with DHL, UPS & UK Mail to provide courier services for their customers throughout the UK.
Kingsland Drinks, Manchester
This company dates back to 1844, with the production of wines and spirits beginning in 1955 when they became the first business to use the Manchester shipping canal to transport wine.
LEHVOSS UK Limited, Congleton
LEHVOSS UK are the UK subsidiary of Hamburg-based Lehmanne Vosse Co. Since 1990 they have been supplying raw materials such as paint and coatings, rubber and personal care to a variety of sectors around the UK.
Medlock FRB, Oldham
This specialist fit-out, refurb and new-build contractor has its own bespoke joinery manufacturing facility. They were established in 2007.
MedTrade Products Limited, Crewe
Founded in 1999, MedTrade are a medical device and woundcare developer and manufacturer.
Merlin Diesel Systems Ltd, Preston
This company has over 70 years' experience of designing and manufacturing diesel injector and pump testing service equipment, working closely with Bosch, Delphi, Disno and VDO. They also have offices in London and China.
Molloy Investments Limited, Cheadle
This Cheadle-based construction and civil engineering business also made the 2018 Fastest 50 list.
Neuven Solutions, Manchester
Neuven Solutions works to help companies reduce the cost of getting temporary agency and locum staff, acting as a ‘neutral vendor’ between employment agencies and businesses looking to bring in staff. It also provides auditing and training services. They last appeared in the Fastest 50 list in 2017.
Norwest Foods International, Knutsford
Founded in 1998, this Knutsford-based importer and exporter of fresh and frozen meats, now also has offices in Ireland, Poland, Spain, China, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia and Morocco.
Orbital Education, Cheadle
This company owns and operates international schools around the world that deliver the English National Curriculum to students between the ages of two and 18.
Ovalseal Limited, Cheadle
A holding company, which through its subsidiaries, operates hospital and healthcare centres for people with functional mental illness and learning disabilities.
PHMG, Manchester
This audio branding company has clients across the globe including Jaguar, Audi, Samsung and Adidas. This will be the fourth time they have made the Fastest 50 list.
Proseal UK Limited, Adlington
Proseal are a manufacturer of tray sealing machinery for the food industry. They also appeared in the 2016 and 2018 Fastest 50 lists.
Quint Group, Macclesfield
The Quint Group are an operator of fintech businesses with a presence in the USA, Poland, China, South Africa and Australia. This is the second year in a row they have made the Fastest 50 list.
Renaker Build Limited, Manchester
This real estate company, established in 2006, delivers large-scale residential-led projects and currently have 2,900 new homes under construction.
Republic of Media, Manchester
This media agency count bet365, Magners, Highland Spring and Velux amongst their clients.
Sapphire Utility Solutions, Preston
This company were founded in 2013 and works to maintain water, wastewater and gas utilities from its Preston base. It also made last year's Fastest 50 list.
Spinney, Crewe
Spinney is a family-run motorhome and caravan dealership, established in 1975. The company finished 31st in the 2018 Fastest 50 list.
St Pierre Groupe, Manchester
St Pierre Groupe (formally known as Carrs Foods) is a business which has partnerships with bakeries around the world to supply its brands which include Paul Hollywood Ready to Bake Breads. They return to the Fastest 50 list for the second year in a row.
Swansway Group, Crewe
This family-owned business has more than 20 car and van dealerships across the North West, the Midlands and North Wales.
Syncro Fire & Security Limited, Warrington
This business provides bespoke fire protection and security solutions to commercial and industrial businesses across the country.
T&K Gallagher Ltd, Salford
This Salford company deliver and maintain turnkey solutions to provide water, gas, electricity and telecommunications supplies to their customers.
Telesis Ltd, Bolton
Telesis return to the Fastest 50 list for the second year in a row. They have over 30 years of experience in the telecoms sector.
The James Group, Manchester
Also in last year's Fastest 50 list, The James Group deals in the sale of cars and motor vehicles.
Tiger Trailers, Winsford
This family-owned company has been manufacturing trailers and vehicle bodies since 1952.
Venturi Group, Wilmslow
This IT recruitment agency make it into the Fastest 50 list for an impressive fourth year in a row.
WCCTV, Rochdale
This Rochdale company manufactures redeployable CCTV, site security solutions and body worn cameras.
Find out more
Sam Wood
0161 295 5361
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