REVEALED: The North West 2021 Fastest 50
17th June, 2021
Ward Hadaway, in partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, reveals the fastest growing firms in the North West of England.
Based on financial data filed with Companies House which relates to the previous three years of trading, the 2021 North West Fastest 50 identifies some of the region’s most successful businesses that bring prosperity to the region, providing employment opportunities for local people and attracting international investment too.
The 50 best-performing companies which 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 West business for the year.
Here, Ward Hadaway Executive Partner for the Manchester Office Paul Johnson reveals the winners and congratulates those growing companies helping shape our region’s economic recovery.
“The world has changed so much because of the Covid-19 pandemic but at Ward Hadaway we remain as passionate as ever about promoting and supporting the North West business community. This year’s list represents a broad and diverse range of companies – with manufacturing and technology performing particularly well – from across our region.
“The characteristics we’re celebrating today are also qualities that every business needs as the economy continues the fightback to prosperity in the wake of Covid-19. Resilience, agility, adaptability, innovation and energy – they are all vital to ensuring we overcome the continued challenges the impact of the pandemic presents.”
Taking the crown for the overall fastest-growing North West business for 2021 is Cheadle-based tech company, ME Group, which also tops the large business category.
The company, which features in the Fastest 50 for the first time, is revolutionising the legal services market through its technology solutions. After an incredible three years, ME Group recorded an average annual growth rate of 179%, catapulting them to the top of the list.
Manchester-based property developers Property Alliance Group takes the award for fastest-growing medium sized business, appearing in the list for the second time.
The 40-strong team has established a reputation for delivering high quality, landmark building projects in the North West and their growth represents an 86% average year-on-year increase. Since 2009, they have completed £43million of occupier-led developments and continue to build on their success with a stellar three-year performance.
Ice Communications: Fastest Growing Small Business
Property Alliance Group: Fastest Growing Medium Business
ME Group: Overall Fastest Growing Business and Fastest Growing Large Business
And taking the title for the fastest-growing small business is Ice Communications which offers landline and mobile solutions from their Cheshire headquarters. With a focus on outstanding customer service and expertise, the firm has experienced growth of 85% on average over the past three years.
Rob Cooper is Chief Executive of ME Group. He said, “We are delighted to have won the North West Fastest Growing Business Award. Since its inception in 2017, ME Group has achieved continued strong growth and this award is testament to the hard work and commitment of everybody in our business.
“The award recognises our growth pre-Covid-19, and like many businesses, we have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the global pandemic. We are very fortunate and grateful to have an amazing team of people who have been resilient in the face of difficult trading conditions, and we are equally grateful for the exceptional support and patience shown by our suppliers and partners as we have sought to navigate the difficulties that Covid-19 has brought.
“We look forward to a very exciting future as we continue to deliver innovation and expand our litigation funding offering to facilitate increasing resolution for consumers facing complex legal problems.”
Rob Cooper and the team at ME Group headquarters in Cheadle
The total combined turnover of the North West Fastest 50 is a staggering £2.6bn, increasing in total by £1.3bn over the past three years.
Ten companies have featured in the list in at least one previous year, including Kids Planet, which has appeared four times. And 2021 is the third showing for Corpacq, Chrystal Holdings Limited, Kintec Group, Sapphire Utility Solutions and Neuven Solutions.
Paul adds: “The list this year represents a hugely diverse range of businesses flying the flag for innovation, resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit that is so vibrant and evident here in the North West.
“Congratulations to all those who appear in this year’s North West Fastest 50 list. SMEs are a key part of our economy and will help fuel the UK economic recovery. The Fastest 50 are a shining example of those businesses that are doing great things for both our region and the country. As a firm, we continue to champion and support businesses throughout the region and we wish all businesses in the North the very best for the coming months and years.”
Click below to view the full North West Fastest 50 list for 2021 in ranked order.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
This page may contain links that direct you to third party websites. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.
