Ward Hadaway reveals 2020’s North East Fastest 50
11th November, 2020
In partnership with The Journal, Ward Hadaway has today revealed the North East’s Fastest 50 companies in 2020. The awards, which have been running for 22 years, recognise and celebrate the fastest growing, privately owned businesses from across the region.
Based on financial data filed with Companies House which relates to the period before the pandemic hit, the 2020 Fastest 50 identifies some of the region’s most successful businesses who bring prosperity to the North East, providing employment opportunities for local people and attracting international investment too.
The fifty best performing companies who have consistently increased turnover whilst remaining profitable are ranked, with awards given to three different winner categories: small, medium, and large businesses. One of these winners is named as the overall fastest growing North East business for the year.
Damien Charlton, a partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “The world has changed so much because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we remain as passionate as ever about promoting and supporting the North East business community. We wanted to continue to recognise the success and entrepreneurial spirit of the region’s businesses, both large and small in this years’ Fastest 50 Awards.
“The characteristics we’re celebrating today are also qualities that every business needs to weather the current turbulent conditions we find ourselves in. Resilience, determination, optimism, innovation and energy – they are all vital to ensuring we overcome the continued challenges the pandemic presents.”
Real estate is a key sector that holds a strong presence in the Fastest 50 this year – housing and property management companies dominate both first and second place. Affordable homes provider Hellens Residential has been named the overall fastest growing North East business for 2020, as well as winning the small business category. Property development company Adderstone 1993 Ltd takes the title for the largest fastest growing North East business. The third award winner is electrical building services contractor CD Engineering Services, who have won the medium North East business category.
Kate Hellens, Managing Director at overall winner Hellens Residential Limited, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. Our mission has been to create a comfortable and secure home for our customers to live in, from which they can build a more stable life. By growing the business at pace, we feel we have been able to make a real difference to the quality and choice of affordable homes available across the region. We aim to provide excellent customer service and this award is a reflection of the hard work put in by our dedicated management team. We are very proud of the close relationship we have with our customers and are currently particularly focused on supporting them during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The region’s manufacturing and engineering industries performed particularly well in this year’s list, with 40% of the Fastest 50 companies in these sectors. Half of the top ten companies also operate in manufacturing or engineering markets.
Energy and construction firms have enjoyed solid growth, as well as online retail businesses too. END Clothing, for example, makes its fifth Fastest 50 appearance in as many years. Crafter’s Companion, an online craft retailer, is one of the region’s fastest growing companies for the fourth time since the awards began.
Damien added: “The list represents continued growth among North East businesses, with nearly a third of this year’s Fastest 50 appearing last year too.
“A number of businesses deserve special congratulations for incredibly consistent growth: Tombola make their eighth appearance in 2020’s Fastest 50, Workwear Express appear for the seventh consecutive year, and DC Handrails and Ironwork Parts make the list for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating the drive, energy and innovation that exists right here within the North East.
“A huge congratulations to all those who appear in this year’s Fastest 50 list, and we wish all businesses in the North East the very best in these extraordinary and challenging times. We are here for you every step of the way.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there is no awards ceremony this year. Click here for the North East Fastest 50 for 2020 in ranked order.
This article originally appears in The Journal on 11 November 2020.
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