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BRITAIN’S MID-MARKET PRIVATE COMPANIES WITH FASTEST-GROWING INTERNATIONAL SALES REVEALED
Published today, the eighth annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table ranks Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales. The 200 companies, which include well-known names such as brewery BrewDog, sandwich shop chain Pret, and premium cycling brand Rapha, grew their international sales over the last two years by an average of 47% a year to a total of £7.6bn. Together they employ 97,000 staff, having added 26,000 jobs over the period. Past stars range from drinks maker Fever-Tree, now worth more than £2bn, and travel search engine Skyscanner, which was bought by Ctrip, China’s largest travel company, for £1.4bn last November. The league table reflects the importance of Europe to Britain’s mid-market exporters ahead of the Brexit negotiations. More than three quarters of the companies (167) sell to the continent, the most popular market, followed by North America (112) and Asia (75). More than half (57%) of the companies said the Brexit vote has had a neutral effect overall on their business. The top spot on the league table goes to Caerphilly-based AerFin. It has spent more than £65m buying aircraft frames and component parts, which it recycles and then sells or leases to the likes of Lufthansa, Air France and Philippine Airlines. This year the company bought 15 Embraer E170 aircraft from Saudi Arabian Airlines. It grew its international sales an impressive 664% a year to £53m in 2016. The league table and awards programme is sponsored by HSBC and DHL Express, and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm. Amanda Murphy, UK head of commercial banking at HSBC, commented: “This year’s Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 is testament to the exciting opportunities available to ambitious UK businesses with appetite to grow their goods and services abroad. Advances in technology mean that service sector companies make up the majority of the businesses on the list, a trend that we’re sure to see continue. We work very closely with our business customers to help them achieve their goals, so it makes me immensely proud to see so many of them succeed.”
Top 10 companies on the HSBC International Track 200 league table
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
1
AerFin Aircraft and spares services
Caerphilly 664% *52.8 *60.9 73 Dec 16
Customers for its engines and plane components include Lufthansa and Philippine Airlines
2
GreenTech Distribution
Mobile phone recycler and distributor
High Wycombe
298% *106.7 *160.2 28 Feb 17 Operates more than 40 Samsung service desks in Belgium and the Netherlands
3
SC Group All-terrain vehicle manufacturer
Devon 248% 31.4 43.1 207 Aug 16 Is manufacturing 89 military vehicles for the Australian Department of Defence
Sunday 11 June 2017
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
4
Media iQ
Digital marketing agency
Central London
187% 16.2 41.2 171 Dec 15 Develops its own analytical software in Bangalore, India
5
GForces Automotive software services
Kent 185% *5.3 *25.6 219 Oct 16 More than 70% of overseas revenue is generated in the Middle East
6
NCMT Engineer
Southwest London
163% 10.7 29.7 100 Feb 16 Is the sole UK agent for the Japanese machine tool firm, Makino
7
Carrs Foods International Baked product provider
Manchester 163% *10.8 *38.0 23 Dec 16 Americans are big fans of its St Pierre brand of brioche burger buns
8
Essex Services Group Engineering services provider
Essex 159% *14.2 *106.9 183 Dec 16 Has worked on data centres in Finland, the Netherlands and France
9 [11]
Millennium Group Food and drink distributor
Essex 148% 48.3 121.9 58 May 16 Exports food and drink to Europe, Africa and the UAE
10
ITG Marketing technology provider
Birmingham 138% 9.4 84.3 456 Aug 16 Manages marketing operations in more than 120 countries
* Supplied by the company
KEY FINDINGS Exports to Europe: Europe is a key trading partner for 85% of the league table companies, with Germany and France featuring in both their top 5 current and top 5 future export markets. Examples include GLD Group, a clothing and footwear supplier that has seen strong sales in northwest Europe; and design and engineering consultancy Contechs, which last year opened its second facility in Germany. Post-Brexit investment: Companies on the league table are continuing to invest to drive overseas growth. Examples include jewellery designer Monica Vinader, which launched its first US boutique in December; and online retailer The Hut Group, which spent £252m on development projects last year. More than half (57%) of the companies said the Brexit vote has had a neutral effect on their business. Acquisitions and joint ventures: 46 companies have bought or partnered with businesses to expand internationally. These include Claranet, which has made 15 acquisitions across Europe since 2014; and network services firm Teneo, which doubled its headcount in the US when it bought a Nebraskan consultancy in February. Service exports: Services is the top sector, with almost half the companies (97) in this category. Examples include Mind Gym, which provides 250 corporate learning classes a week from its offices in New York, Dubai and Singapore; and IESA which manages procurement, processes invoices and controls stock for customers across Germany, Ireland and the UK. Creative industries: 62 companies operate in the creative industries, ranging from architects such as Heatherwick Studio, which is designing Google's new Silicon Valley headquarters, to theatrical producers Cameron Mackintosh, whose box-office hit, The Phantom of the Opera, has been seen by 140m people in 35 countries. Ecommerce: 25 companies, including 10 online fashion retailers, sell goods online to overseas customers. Examples include Matchesfashion.com, which delivers luxury fashion to customers in 176 countries, and Missguided, the fast-fashion retailer that has eight multi-currency international websites and concessions in US department store Nordstrom.
Regions: London is the most popular location for company headquarters with 74, followed by the southeast (32) and the northwest (27). Of the remainder, 20 companies are based in the Midlands, 16 in the southwest, 12 in the northeast and Yorkshire, nine in Scotland, four in the East, four in Wales and two in Northern Ireland. See the appendix for the full league table
The full league table is published today as an eight-page supplement with the business section of The Sunday
Times, both in print and in the digital edition, and on www.fasttrack.co.uk.
ENDS
PLEASE CREDIT IN FULL: “THE SUNDAY TIMES HSBC INTERNATIONAL TRACK 200”
For further information please contact:
Claire Wheeler, deputy head of research operations, Fast Track: 01865 297006; [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter @ST_FastTrack #IntTrack200
Notes for editors
Fast Track has published league tables of the UK’s top-performing private companies with The Sunday Times for the past 20 years. The company was founded and is run by Dr Hamish Stevenson, who also holds an associate fellowship at Green Templeton College, Oxford University. League table criteria Companies had to be registered in the UK and be independent, unquoted and ultimate holding companies. They are ranked according to the compound annual growth (CAGR) in their international sales over the latest two financial years. Total sales had to be at least £25m and international sales at least £1m in the latest financial year. Companies with sales of less than £25m are covered by our sister SME Export Track 100 league table. The research was carried out by Fast Track principally between January and May 2017. Data on international sales can be limited. Companies filing abbreviated accounts are not required to disclose any geographical breakdown of sales, while firms that file full accounts can choose to not disclose a geographical breakdown of sales if it is prejudicial to their interests. See website for full qualification criteria: www.fasttrack.co.uk
About our sponsors HSBC HSBC is the title sponsor of the eighth annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200. Founded in 1865 to finance trade between Asia and the West, today HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations serving more than 37 million customers worldwide. Our aim is to be acknowledged as the world’s leading international bank. In the UK, we support over 1 million businesses from small enterprises focused primarily on the domestic market through to global corporates. Whether it is working capital, term loans, trade finance or payments and cash management solutions, we provide the tools and expertise that businesses need to thrive. www.business.hsbc.uk @HSBCUKBusiness DHL Express DHL Express is the global market leader in the international express delivery market, specialising in time and day critical shipping to all corners of the world. With a network spanning over 220 countries and territories, DHL ensures your products are quickly and reliably delivered to destinations all over the world, providing tailored delivery options and returns. Whether you are a new or experienced international shipper, DHL is here to help. From improving your website’s international appeal, to the intricacies of customs duties and taxes, DHL Express offers support at every stage of the export journey. www.DHLguide.co.uk @DHLExpressUK
Appendix: The 2017 Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
1
AerFin
Aircraft and spares services
Caerphilly 664% *52.8 *60.9 73 Dec 16
Customers for its engines and plane components include Lufthansa and Philippine Airlines
2
GreenTech Distribution Mobile phone recycler and distributor
High Wycombe
298% *106.7 *160.2 28 Feb 17 Operates more than 40 Samsung service desks in Belgium and the Netherlands
3
SC Group All-terrain vehicle manufacturer
Devon 248% 31.4 43.1 207 Aug 16 Is manufacturing 89 military vehicles for the Australian Department of Defence
4
Media iQ Digital marketing agency
Central London
187% 16.2 41.2 171 Dec 15 Develops its own analytical software in Bangalore, India
5
GForces Automotive software services
Kent 185% *5.3 *25.6 219 Oct 16 More than 70% of overseas revenue is generated in the Middle East
6
NCMT
Engineer Southwest London
163% 10.7 29.7 100 Feb 16 Is the sole UK agent for the Japanese machine tool firm, Makino
7
Carrs Foods International Baked product provider
Manchester 163% *10.8 *38.0 23 Dec 16 Americans are big fans of its St Pierre brand of brioche burger buns
8
Essex Services Group Engineering services provider
Essex 159% *14.2 *106.9 183 Dec 16 Has worked on data centres in Finland, the Netherlands and France
9 [11]
Millennium Group Food and drink distributor
Essex 148% 48.3 121.9 58 May 16 Exports food and drink to Europe, Africa and the UAE
10
ITG Marketing technology provider
Birmingham 138% 9.4 84.3 456 Aug 16 Manages marketing operations in more than 120 countries
11 [7]
World First International payment provider
Central London
136% *55.0 *89.0 590 Dec 16 Recently announced plans to launch in India
12
AnalogFolk Digital marketing agency
Central London
125% *13.8 *27.7 220 Dec 16
Has expanded rapidly in Asia and the US thanks to customers such as Pernod Ricard and Nike
13
William Lamb Group Footwear and handbag distributor
Wakefield 117% 3.4 65.9 130 Dec 15 Manufactures shoes and accessories in China, Vietnam, Laos and India
14
Austin Fraser Recruitment consultancy
Reading 117% *11.0 *40.5 121 Feb 17 Launched an office in Berlin, its second in Germany, in March
15 [13]
Missguided Fashion retailer
Manchester 116% *88.7 *205.7 650 Mar 17 88-year-old US internet star Baddie Winkle fronted its latest campaign
16
SystemsAccountants
Recruitment consultancy
Central London
115% 3.9 29.2 42 Jul 16
Supplies more than 900 accountancy professionals a year to businesses in 11 countries
17 [24]
Priority Freight Logistics services provider
Dover 115% 26.7 48.8 127 Dec 15 Strengthened its facilities in Spain and Germany to serve the automotive sector locally
18 [29]
Reward Gateway
Employee engagement services
Central London
114% *39.7 *225.0 334 Jun 16
Runs employee engagement programmes for more than 1,300 customers in 23 countries
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
19
Ceuta Group Sales and marketing agency
Bournemouth 113% 9.5 60.5 472 Mar 16
Created an international network of distributors, which is active in more than 100 markets
20
GLD Group
Clothing and footwear supplier
Perthshire 112% 12.3 32.7 83 Jan 16
Has strong sales in northwest Europe, especially the Benelux countries and Germany
21
Shiner Sports goods distributor
Bristol 111% 16.8 38.2 76 Apr 16 Exports sports equipment, such as skateboards, to 35 countries
22
Solarcentury Solar technology provider
Central London
103% 22.6 168.3 228 Mar 16
Has teamed up with Ikea to offer solar energy in Holland and the UK through Ikea "solar shops"
23
Klash
Clothing manufacturer Oldham 102% 6.2 37.0 107 Dec 15
Sponsored schools and set up parks and drinking water initiatives in Pakistan, where it owns factories
24 [9]
Mountain Warehouse Outdoor clothing retailer
Central London
102% *46.1 *184.8 1,850 Feb 17
The only outside brand sold from its 260 stores across seven countries, is Kendal Mint Cake
25
Endava IT services provider
Central London
101% 41.1 115.4 2,533 Jun 16 Opened a development centre in Bogotá, Colombia last year
26 [22]
Efficio Procurement consultancy
Central London
97% 23.5 44.0 178 Jun 16
Plans to open two offices in the Middle East this year: one in Dubai and one in Riyadh
27
Portsmouth Aviation Engineering services provider
Portsmouth 97% 2.2 26.7 170 Dec 15 Has established businesses in Canada, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia
28 [18]
Canburg
Luxury furniture manufacturer
Wiltshire 96% 16.0 34.6 275 Jun 16
Has become the go-to luxury furniture supplier for super prime developments in New York
29
Paymentsense Payment processing services
West London 92% *4.9 *61.9 235 Mar 17
Serves 57,000 businesses in the UK and Ireland and is targeting expansion in Europe
30
Contechs Design and engineering consultancy
Essex 87% 10.0 41.5 101 Dec 15 Opened its second German facility, in Munich, last year
31 [40]
Morley Waste Traders
Metal recycler Leeds 86% *12.9 *35.6 111 Jan 17
Sells processed scrap metals from Yorkshire to China, India, Pakistan and Europe
32
Laurence King Publishing Publisher
Central London
85% 26.1 35.1 49 Dec 15
Published Johanna Basford's colouring book Secret Garden, which has sold over 10m copies worldwide
33
Mardix Switchgear manufacturer
Cumbria 85% 7.7 56.1 378 Mar 16 Exports power systems to Europe, the Middle East and Asia
34 [72]
Baxters
Food producer Moray, Scotland
84% †198.6 †293.8 1,539 Apr 16
Manufactures in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Poland, and sells to more than 30 countries
35 [84]
Optima Contracting Glass partitioning manufacturer
High Wycombe
80% 9.7 52.5 352 Jan 16
Has offices in Dubai, Singapore and Australia and manufactures in Malaysia and the UK
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
36
Blackrock PM Dispute resolution consultancy
Central London
79% *22.8 *25.7 71 Oct 16
Looking to open further offices in Singapore and other global arbitration centres
37 [28]
Titan Airways
Airline Stansted Airport
78% *23.3 *89.5 277 Mar 17 Provides aircraft to European carriers such as Aer Lingus and Eurowings
38 [56]
Ability Matters Healthcare product developer
Oxfordshire 78% 9.4 39.7 532 Oct 15 Has international offices in Ireland, France and the Netherlands
39
Havwoods Hardwood flooring specialist
Lancashire 77% *2.4 *36.0 80 Dec 16 Plans to open a showroom in New York this year
40
Principle Brand implementation agency
Huddersfield 77% *104.2 *149.7 480 Dec 16 Opened its 15th office last year, in Mumbai
41 [51]
Lovehoney Sex toy retailer
Bath 75% 15.8 58.1 214 Mar 16 Has the exclusive rights to manufacture Fifty Shades of Grey adult toys worldwide
42 [65]
Jellyfish Digital marketing agency
Central London
75% 22.9 53.1 329 Mar 16 Global clients include Skype, Nestlé and Under Armour
43
Dalepak Logistics services provider
Northampton 74% 10.9 34.1 223 Mar 16
Sources and assembles after-sales clutch kits for Ford in Germany and Canada
44 [47]
Whitemeadow Furniture Furniture manufacturer
Notts 74% 2.0 36.1 338 Dec 15 Supplies Irish furniture retailers with handcrafted upholstered furniture
45
Jacksons Fencing
Fencing manufacturer Kent 74% 8.6 32.0 255 Sep 16
Provided 14,000m of security fencing in under 12 months for the Eurotunnel
46 [33]
Mark Allen Group Publisher and events organiser
Southeast London
73% 3.1 31.8 282 Mar 16
In 2015 it bought Airports Publishing Networks, which runs events across four continents
47
Microlise
Vehicle tracking developer
Nottingham 73% 4.3 41.2 347 Jun 16 Is setting up operations in Dubai to add to offices in India and Australia
48 [54]
John Adams Toy and leisure product wholesaler
Huntingdon 72% *3.1 *32.9 40 Dec 16
Brands such as Fuzzy-Felt and Ideal Games have proved popular in Europe, Asia and Australia
49
The7stars Media agency
Central London
72% 34.2 209.5 117 Mar 16 Buys advertising for gaming client Supercell across Europe
50
Monica Vinader Jewellery designer
Norfolk 71% 9.7 26.4 173 Jul 16 Has seven shops across Asia, the Middle East and America
51
Barron Wood Distribution Transport broker
Preston 71% *3.9 *57.1 125 Oct 16 Provides freight logistics to western European countries
52
3V Natural Foods Natural food and drink producer
Hampshire 70% 3.4 25.7 112 Sep 16 Sells its British-made products to 19 countries, including Norway and Japan
53
Peers Hardy Group Watch designer and distributor
Solihull 70% *13.9 *34.9 115 Dec 16
Its Henry London brand launched in 2015, and is now exported to 70 countries including Japan
54 [46]
Vision Support Services Textile distributor
Blackburn 70% *14.6 *46.7 125 Mar 17
Some of the world's most famous hotels, such as Raffles in Singapore, use its linens
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
55 [2]
APS Group
Marketing services provider
Cheshire 70% 33.6 114.8 748 Jan 16 Its staff speak 19 languages in 25 offices globally
56
NMS International Group Construction contractor
Leicestershire 69% 30.6 30.6 27 Apr 16 Is managing a £135m hospital infrastructure project in Ghana
57
John Morley Dried fruit importer
Cheshire 68% †10.3 †34.8 132 Dec 15 Its fruit topping preparations are becoming popular in the Middle East
58 [52]
The Hut Group Online retailer
Northwich 67% 316.8 501.4 1,833 Dec 16 Launched 60 international websites last year, bringing its total to more than 140
59
Heatherwick Studio
Architect and designer Central London
66% 23.5 27.8 180 Mar 16 Is designing Google's new headquarters in Mountain View, California
60
Sambro International Branded merchandise supplier
Bury 66% *38.5 *71.0 162 Dec 16 Opening offices in Germany and Italy this year
61
Chiltern International Group Contract research provider
Slough 65% *331.3 *400.2 4,500 Dec 16
Four acquisitions since 2014 have helped strengthen its presence in the Americas and Asia
62 [32]
Peninsula Employment law consultancy
Manchester 65% 35.9 134.6 1,690 Mar 16 Its Australian subsidiary almost doubled its sales last year
63
Whitehouse Leisure Soft toy distributor
Essex 64% *†23.5 *†58.1 40 Dec 15
Holds the leisure licence to distribute Disney soft toys across the UK, Middle East and Africa
64
mac
Construction contractor County Down 61% 56.6 56.6 52 Dec 16
Upgrades commercial office buildings for US firms seeking a presence in Ireland
65
Radius Payment Solutions
Fleet services provider Crewe 61% 510.9 1,475.0 687 Mar 16
Has diversified into telematics and expanded into Asia, opening offices in Singapore and Malaysia
66 [3]
Cennox Banking automation services provider
Surrey 61% 30.1 43.7 526 Dec 16 Supplies some of the largest global banks with cash machines
67
Matchesfashion.com Luxury fashion retailer
Central London
60% 148.0 203.7 527 Jan 17 Delivers luxury fashion to 176 countries
68 [67]
George Pragnell Fine jeweller
Stratford-upon-Avon
60% 15.3 31.6 68 May 16 Its customers include European royalty and Chinese entrepreneurs
69
Westcoast Electronic product distributor
Reading 59% 321.2 1,912.5 1,195 Dec 16
Established operations in Lyon after buying out a division of Spanish distributor Adveo
70 [83]
AG Thames
Fruit importer and distributor
Kent 59% *37.3 *260.2 459 Sep 16
Set up a Spanish subsidiary to work with local growers and develop customers in the EU
71
Viadex IT reseller
Southwest London
59% 16.4 32.7 47 Jun 16 Has seen sales grow across Asia Pacific since opening a Singapore office in 2015
72
Scott Brownrigg Architect
Central London
57% 2.7 27.1 279 Jul 16
Lead designer of Istanbul New Airport, which will be the largest single terminal in the world
73 [14]
Cameron Mackintosh
Theatrical producer Central London
57% 75.5 146.7 650 Mar 16 140m people in 35 countries have seen The Phantom of the Opera
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
74 [20]
Dairy Partners Cheesemaker
Glos 57% *14.1 *57.7 142 Dec 16 Sends container loads of frozen cheese to countries such as Japan and Dubai
75 [92]
Hyperion Insurance Group Insurance broker and underwriter
Central London
54% 352.5 423.9 3,587 Sep 16 Its employees are spread across offices in 39 countries
76 [78]
Oakfield Meat importer and wholesaler
North London 54% 17.3 124.8 47 Dec 15 Has been growing its meat exports to China and Africa
77
Composite Floor Deck Group Steel decking supplier
South Wales 53% 8.1 33.7 166 Mar 16
Provided steel decking for the Kings Avenue Mall in Cyprus and the BNZ Tower in Auckland
78
Tangle Teezer Hair product supplier
South London 50% 23.2 28.6 28 Mar 16 Sells 15 hairbrushes overseas per minute
79 [149]
KMF Precision sheet metal engineer
Staffordshire 50% 4.9 33.1 463 Mar 16 Manufactures sheet metal for customers in Europe and North America
80
Tourstan Group Recruitment consultancy
Central London
50% 6.7 49.8 70 Dec 15 Supplies staff to more than 150 global corporations
81 [27]
M2M Direct PC memory and storage distributor
Kent 49% 16.4 49.2 17 Dec 15 Joined Dell's European Partner Programme in 2016
82
A-Safe Safety barrier manufacturer
Halifax 49% *22.2 *29.3 225 Dec 16 Heineken's brewery in the Netherlands installed its barrier system last year
83 [55]
Greencroft Bottling Contract wine bottler
Durham 49% 6.4 35.8 179 Jun 16
Provides bottling services for wineries in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Chile and South Africa
84 [38]
Proseal Sealing equipment manufacturer
Cheshire 48% 16.0 32.3 256 Jan 16
Appointed new sales agents last year in Spain, the Middle East, South Africa and Thailand
85 [66]
Childrensalon Childrenswear retailer
Tunbridge Wells
48% *52.5 *62.0 211 Dec 16 Its customer service staff speak more than 30 languages
86 [17]
Alfa Technical Industries Chemicals distributor
Berkshire 48% 9.0 28.6 60 Dec 15 Supplies speciality chemicals across Ireland and the Nordic countries
87 [70]
Comline Auto Parts Automotive parts supplier
Luton 47% 24.8 42.6 130 Mar 16
Supplies car parts to more than 40 countries and has subsidiaries in Spain and Greece
88 [155]
Xexec Reward programme administrator
Northwest London
46% *4.2 *26.5 35 Nov 16 Partners with global brands such as Amazon and Zara
89 [95]
Avalon
Entertainment producer and manager
West London 45% *49.9 *111.7 122 Jun 16 Produces the popular HBO show 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'
90
Duerr's Fruit preserve manufacturer
Manchester 45% 6.3 64.9 239 Mar 16 Sells jams and condiments to 50 countries from Ireland to Australia
91 [143]
Sahara Presentation Systems
Audio-visual product supplier
Kent 45% *13.1 *48.1 73 Dec 16
Its interactive touchscreens are sold throughout the US and Europe to the education sector
92
Matchroom Sport Sporting events promoter
Essex 45% 15.3 70.5 73 Jun 16 Its snooker tournaments have proved popular in mainland Europe and China
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
93
DOMU Brands Homeware manufacturer
Manchester 44% 15.0 39.1 84 Jun 16
Exports have been boosted by growth in the US, which accounts for a third of total turnover
94 [61]
Cambridge Commodities
Nutritional supplement wholesaler
Cambs 43% *8.6 *29.7 110 Nov 16 Stocks more than 2,000 products, including New Zealand mussel powder
95 [116]
Flashtalking Advertising technology developer
Central London
43% *33.7 *39.9 284 Dec 16
Has five offices across the US, as well as in Germany, Australia and the Netherlands
96
Grayson Thermal Systems Automotive technology provider
Birmingham 42% 4.4 25.5 258 Mar 16 Has a manufacturing facility in Indiana to serve customers in the US
97
History & Heraldry
Gift product designer Rotherham 42% *20.6 *29.8 191 Dec 16
Sells to 70 countries from distribution bases in Estonia, the US and China
98
Gama Healthcare Antimicrobial product distributor
Watford 42% *5.0 *25.0 61 Mar 17 Australia and New Zealand are the biggest markets for its infection control wet wipes
99 [76]
Apricot
Fashion retailer Central London
42% *15.2 *42.0 240 Feb 17 Has more than 200 overseas concessions concentrated in Germany and Italy
100 [10]
CloserStill Exhibition organiser
Central London
42% *9.0 *36.5 178 Dec 16 Acquired a French events organiser in January for an undisclosed sum
101
Options
IT services provider Central London
41% 23.5 36.5 127 Dec 16 Has a network of 13 support centres globally, from New York to Hong Kong
102
Reach Active Group Specialist engineering contractor
Hertford 41% 8.0 25.6 144 Apr 16 Customers in Ireland include the Electricity Supply Board, IDA Ireland and Fitbit
103 [35]
Phaidon International Recruitment consultancy
Central London
41% *44.4 *49.6 364 Oct 16 Has customers in more than 60 countries
104
Frank Recruitment Group IT recruitment consultancy
Newcastle upon Tyne
40% *76.7 *127.5 810 Nov 16 US private-equity firm TPG acquired a majority stake in April last year
105 [105]
SSQ
Legal recruitment consultancy
Central London
40% *10.6 *26.2 123 Dec 16 Has 20 overseas offices, including three in Germany
106
Solent Group Consumer product supplier
Dorset 39% 5.2 42.1 132 Dec 15
Has factories in China, Vietnam and the UK producing branded and private-label goods for retailers
107
DR Wakefield Coffee merchant
Central London
39% 10.4 27.7 17 Jan 16 Distributes more than 360 different coffees to 41 countries around the world
108 [142]
Durbin
Pharmaceuticals supplier
Northwest London
38% *58.9 *70.6 146 Dec 16 Supplies developing communities with low cost, inflatable solar lights
109 [188]
Leo Group Recycler
Halifax 38% 45.4 71.2 458 Apr 16 Has three renewable energy sites in Belgium
110 [36]
Silverline Tools Tool distributor
Yeovil 38% 13.4 45.3 165 Jul 16 Supplies hand and power tools to eight European countries
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
111 [109]
Compello Staffing Group Recruitment consultancy
Glasgow 37% *20.2 *64.5 165 May 16 Has offices across America and the Middle East
112 [198]
First Point Group Technology recruitment consultancy
Central London
37% 55.4 63.7 114 Apr 16 Its staff speak more than 20 languages
113 [81]
Balmoral Group Polymer engineer and manufacturer
Aberdeen 37% 103.7 134.5 576 Mar 16
Demand from offshore oilfields in Brazil and West Africa are sustaining overseas sales
114 [89]
Ralawise.com Clothing distributor
Flintshire 37% 18.8 104.8 456 Dec 15 Supplies branded clothing to more than 15,000 resellers across Europe
115
Evolution Foods Health foods retailer
Shropshire 36% 2.7 41.8 116 Jun 16 Exports its packs of dried fruits, nuts and healthy snacks to Europe
116
The SR Group
Recruitment consultancy
Central London
36% *21.8 *49.0 304 Dec 16
Acquired New York-based recruitment firm Maximum Management Corporation last year
117
The Change Organisation
IT distributor Kent 36% 5.1 33.2 39 Mar 16
Its warehouse in Kent supplies IT hardware to resellers across Britain and Europe
118 [117]
Charles Faram Hop merchant
Worcs 36% 13.2 34.1 43 Jun 16 Exports hops to brewers in 47 countries
119 [123]
MVF Digital marketing agency
North London 36% 18.9 39.0 268 Mar 16
Sales in the US almost doubled following the launch of its first overseas office in Texas
120
Wyke Farms Cheesemaker
Somerset 35% 8.4 67.5 247 Mar 16 Its award-winning cheddars are sold around the world, from Sierra Leone to Seoul
121
Econ Engineering Commercial vehicle manufacturer
North Yorkshire
35% 2.8 25.3 188 Mar 16
Exports its snow ploughs and gritters to countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine
122
Green Park Recruitment consultancy
Central London
35% 1.4 25.9 32 Jan 16 Has placed interim senior executives in more than 55 countries
123 [128]
Citywire
Financial publisher Central London
35% 12.9 31.9 191 Dec 15
Publishes 11 magazines, runs 42 websites and holds more than 100 events a year in 18 countries
124 [63]
Connect Distribution Services Appliance parts distributor
Birmingham 35% 6.2 97.6 585 Apr 16 Operates multiple spare parts ordering websites in Europe
125 [58]
Dragonfly Venture Group Branded footwear manufacturer
St Albans 34% 55.1 74.8 15 Mar 16 Set up a US subsidiary last year to sell its branded footwear directly to retailers
126
JDM Food Group
Food producer Lincolnshire 34% *2.9 *40.4 296 Dec 16
Won business in Australia after attending trade shows in Amsterdam
127
Pukka Herbs Herbal tea maker
Bristol 34% *14.9 *28.3 95 Aug 16 More than a million cups of Pukka tea are drunk around the world every day
128 [103]
Rapha Cycling apparel maker and retailer
North London 33% *48.1 *63.2 400 Jan 17 Plans to have 20 stores on four continents by the end of the year
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
129
eBECS
Business software developer
Chesterfield 33% 7.3 33.1 297 Mar 16 International clients include Marc Jacobs, Amec and Britax
130 [97]
Total Media Group Media agency
Central London
33% *29.0 *65.0 114 Dec 16
Helped launch Lenovo's Moto mobile phones in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
131
Teneo IT services consultancy
Reading 33% 15.4 29.2 75 Jun 16 Bought a consultancy in Nebraska this year, which doubles its US headcount
132
Preqin
Data services provider Central London
33% *24.0 *27.9 284 Dec 16 Its data is used by investors in more than 90 countries
133 [60]
Mobica Software engineer and tester
Cheshire 32% *41.7 *47.5 1,000 Dec 16 Eighty percent of its 1,000-strong staff work in offices in Poland, the US and Mexico
134
The Michael's Pitta Group Flatbread bakery
North London 32% 7.2 42.3 412 May 16 Much of its bread sold in Europe gets baked in Amsterdam
135 [101]
HH Global Marketing services provider
South London 31% *206.4 *267.3 805 Mar 17 Opened eight offices in Latin America last year
136
Winning Moves Games maker
Central London
31% 13.6 27.9 115 Mar 16
Has opened offices across Europe, India and Australia to sell its games to retailers worldwide
137 [183]
MPM Products Pet food producer
Macclesfield 31% *27.9 *47.4 56 Dec 16 Exports premium pet food to 46 countries
138
Space.NK
Beauty product retailer Central London
31% 12.8 86.5 442 Mar 16
Concessions in US department store Bloomingdale's have helped boost overseas growth
139 [132]
Amoria Bond Recruitment consultancy
Manchester 30% *23.3 *38.1 120 Nov 16 Overseas clients include Honda, Alstom and Bosch
140 [113]
AMG Vango
Camping outdoor supplier
Port Glasgow 30% 3.7 35.2 92 Dec 15
Its Vango range is popular in Germany, Benelux, the Czech Republic and South Korea
141 [114]
Vue International Cinema operator
West London 30% 443.1 772.5 9,453 Nov 16 Operates 211 sites and 1,875 cinema screens across 10 countries
142 [45]
BPD Building product manufacturer
Cheshire 30% 4.9 29.4 279 Mar 16 Its protective membranes are sold throughout Europe
143
Foster + Partners Architect
Southwest London
29% 233.0 257.1 1,480 Apr 16
Designed Apple Park, a ring-shaped office complex in California, which opened in April
144
Osprey Europe Backpack distributor
Poole 29% 18.3 25.9 40 Jul 16
Opened a showroom in Munich last year and its main distribution centre is in the Netherlands
145
Supremia
Marketing services provider
Northwest London
29% 40.7 43.4 98 Mar 16 Produces 32m bags a year for Diageo's Crown Royal whisky across North America
146 [30]
Advanced Insulation Insulation product manufacturer
Gloucester 29% *52.6 *58.8 422 Sep 16 Has subsidiaries around the world including in Brazil, the US and South Korea
147 [77]
Jon Richard Jewellery retailer
Manchester 29% 3.4 32.9 566 Feb 16 Operates concessions in Debenhams stores across the Middle East
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
148
CVP
Audio-visual equipment supplier
Warwickshire 29% 12.5 71.2 113 May 16 Sells broadcast equipment to Europe, America, the Far East and Africa
149
FIRST Events organiser
Central London
29% *26.9 *34.6 150 Sep 16
Created an event in New York for AOL, with performances by Snoop Dogg and Demi Lovato
150 [159]
Pret Sandwich shop operator
Central London
28% 202.2 776.2 10,42
6 Dec 16
Has opened its first outlet in Singapore this year
151
Mind Gym
Corporate learning provider
Central London
28% 15.2 25.0 158 Mar 16
Offers 250 classes a week to global companies from its offices in New York, Dubai and Singapore
152
Sapphire Systems Systems integrator
Central London
28% 7.1 27.1 193 Mar 16 Its software is used by small and medium businesses in more than 50 countries
153 [193]
Les Caves de Pyrene Wine distributor
Surrey 28% 4.5 28.8 128 Mar 16
Has expanded to Spain, Australia and Italy, where it is a distributor of artisan wines
154
Boss Design Group Office furniture manufacturer
Dudley 27% 11.2 42.0 252 Mar 16 Manufactures on four continents and supplies more than 30 countries
155 [104]
Specialist People Services HR services provider
Bradford 27% 4.9 46.1 199 Mar 16 Its Driver Hire Australia business has offices in four cities in the country
156 [87]
Preston Board & Packaging Paper product manufacturer
Preston 27% 2.0 26.5 156 Dec 15 Its mill exports cardboard to Europe and the Middle East
157
MSI Group Recruitment consultancy
Central London
27% *3.7 *61.9 165 Dec 16 Recruits staff for the healthcare industry across 15 countries
158
Inside Ideas Group Marketing services provider
Central London
27% *8.8 *68.7 700 Jun 16 Has more than 70 marketing teams across 32 countries
159
Gtech Appliance manufacturer
Worcester 26% *5.0 *91.2 138 Nov 16 Has sold more than 22m domestic appliances in 19 countries
160
Wozair Ventilation equipment maker
Kent 26% 36.3 39.5 182 Dec 15 Has factories in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, the US and South Korea
161
Bullitt Group Consumer electronics designer
Reading 26% *92.1 *99.7 98 Dec 16 Has offices in the US and China and sells to more than 70 countries
162 [16]
Arena Group
Event services provider Southwest London
26% 47.8 85.8 778 Dec 15
Bought a Hong Kong-based marquee company last year, anticipating the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
163
Fishawack Healthcare communications agency
Cheshire 26% 24.8 25.3 216 Mar 16
Works with 15 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical firms, including GSK, Sanofi and Novartis
164 [170]
Travel Counsellors Travel services provider
Manchester 25% *37.9 *188.3 284 Oct 16 Has more than 1,600 home-based "travel counsellors" in seven countries
165 [160]
The Little Group Book, film and music wholesaler
Eastbourne 24% 83.5 236.1 956 Feb 16 Supplies retailers internationally from more than 500,000 products
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
166
Morris & Company Conglomerate
Shrewsbury 24% 3.6 47.9 693 Mar 16
Exports lighting towers, operating at temperatures from 30°C to -40°C, to 20 countries
167 [79]
Redeem
Electronic device recycler
West Lothian 24% 55.4 80.2 289 Mar 16
Its Macclesfield facility processes 200,000 handsets a month for European customers
168
Ligentia Supply chain manager
Leeds 24% 24.9 85.7 333 Dec 16 Helps move more than 10,000 tonnes of goods around the world each year
169 [165]
Caffè Nero Coffee house operator
Central London
24% *42.3 *299.0 4,500 May 16 Has 11 coffee shops in the US, situated in and around Boston
170
Claranet IT services provider
Central London
23% 58.4 152.5 980 Jun 16 Expanded out of Europe with the purchase of Brazil-based CredibiliT in December 2016
171
CDE Global
Processing equipment manufacturer
County Tyrone 23% *31.0 *53.4 186 Dec 16 Its custom-built equipment is sold to more than 70 countries
172 [147]
Aktrion Outsourcing provider
Hertfordshire 23% 13.3 103.5 3,027 Apr 16 Counts many of Europe's major car manufacturers among its customers
173 [141]
Grey Matter
Business software reseller
Devon 23% 5.2 35.9 88 Jun 16
Is the only authorised Microsoft Bing Maps distributor for Europe and Asia Pacific
174
Kinapse Pharmaceutical regulations consultancy
Southwest London
22% 20.6 26.9 494 Mar 16 Works with nine of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies
175
Practicus Management consultancy
Henley 22% *10.0 *51.2 138 Dec 16
Opened an office in Hong Kong in 2013, which generated £3m overseas sales last year
176
Frontier Economics Economics consultancy
Central London
22% 16.6 33.7 184 Apr 16 Opening offices in Paris and Berlin this year
177
AKA Marketing communications network
Central London
22% 38.9 78.7 323 Dec 15 Worked with the San Francisco Ballet to promote its 2017 season
178
Severn Glocon Industrial valve manufacturer
Gloucester 21% 100.1 115.9 908 Dec 15 Has a manufacturing site in India and a testing centre in Canada
179
Swan Mill Holdings
Paper tableware manufacturer
Kent 21% 9.1 54.4 288 Mar 16 Manufactures paper tableware and crackers in the UK and Hong Kong
180
Supreme Imports Battery and lighting wholesaler
Manchester 20% 12.2 59.0 79 Mar 16 Manufactures batteries and lighting via joint ventures in China
181
IESA Supply chain manager
Warrington 20% 9.8 178.5 368 Mar 16
Manages more than 200 stores for customers across Germany, Ireland and the UK
182
The Burden Group Food wholesaler
Central London
20% 15.9 142.9 131 Jan 16
Supplies ferries and cruise lines, such as Carnival, with more than 3,000 food and drink products
183 [162]
The Swift Group Caravan and motorhome manufacturer
East Yorkshire 20% 17.9 252.0 1,088 Aug 16 A new £8m factory will help meet both international and domestic demand
Rank [2016 rank]
Company Activity
HQ location
Annual int’l sales
growth over 2
yrs
Int’l sales (£m)
Total sales (£m)
Staff Year end
Comment
184 [150]
Nylacast Plastics engineer
Leicester 20% *29.3 *35.0 460 Dec 16 This British manufacturer exports to 49 countries, with China a key market
185 [151]
Peak Scientific Gas generator manufacturer
Renfrewshire 19% *40.3 *46.1 360 Sep 16 Makes a range of gas generators for labs on every continent
186 [43]
Entier
Facilities services provider
Aberdeen 19% 16.6 44.9 411 Sep 16 Provides catering services to clients in 26 countries
187 [153]
Odgers Berndtson Recruitment consultancy
Central London
19% 20.1 103.4 532 Apr 16
Bought the shares it did not own in its Hong Kong, Shanghai and Vietnam operations in 2015
188
Bob Martin Pet care product manufacturer
Somerset 19% 9.2 48.1 240 Dec 15
Expanded in Europe by acquiring Nestlé Purina's PetCare line of pet food and accessories in 2016
189
Cultech
Dietary supplement manufacturer
Port Talbot 18% *13.5 *26.3 249 Dec 16 Sells its dietary supplements across four continents
190
musicMagpie.co.uk Online entertainment trader
Cheshire 18% †27.2 †78.2 811 May 16 Trades in the US through its sister site, Decluttr.com
191
Nasmyth Group
Precision component manufacturer
Coventry 18% 14.7 60.1 779 Jan 16
Has operations in France, the US and India to supply the local aerospace industries
192
Usborne Publishing Children's book publisher
Central London
17% 39.0 60.0 231 Jan 16 Publishes children's books in more than 100 languages
193 [118]
BrewDog Brewery
Aberdeenshire 17% *13.4 *71.9 650 Dec 16
Plans to open The DogHouse hotel in Columbia, Ohio, featuring beer spa treatments
194 [194]
Barber's
Cheesemaker Somerset 17% 14.7 84.0 280 Mar 16
Says it is the No 1 exporter of English cheddar into the US
195
Knights of Old Logistics services provider
Northamptonshire
17% 9.9 52.3 467 May 16 Is a partner in a 500-strong network of European logistics companies
196 [111]
Lewis Communications
Communications agency
Central London
17% 45.0 52.0 547 Jul 16 In November it opened a New York office, its fifth in the US
197
NPW Gift maker
Southwest London
17% 13.9 25.2 91 Feb 16 Supplies American retailers such as Old Navy and Urban Outfitters
198 [182]
Fox International Group Fishing tackle supplier
Essex 17% *24.7 *35.3 116 Dec 16 Snapped up Salmo, a Polish fishing bait company, in 2016
199
Beggars Group Music producer
Southwest London
16% *21.4 *26.7 149 Dec 16 Has released five number one albums in the US since 2010
200
Bamboo Distribution
Electronic device recycler
Hertfordshire 16% 13.6 28.4 69 Jun 16 Taiwanese iPhone manufacturer Foxconn owns a 20% stake in the business
* Supplied by the company † Annualised figure