Scotland was in the top three areas to show the biggest increase in the number of companies from the 2019 report – at 58 – according to the latest edition of the list published by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).
He identified the UK’s “most dynamic and fastest growing” small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and said they show regional and sectoral diversity as well as strong innovation.
In total, the 1,000 companies recorded an average annual revenue growth rate of 41.2% and generated more than 42,000 jobs in the two years to December 2019.
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More than a quarter come from across Scotland and the north of England, and the companies north of the border selected in the featured business spotlight include telecommunications company Commsworld and Smart Metering Systems, known as of text messages.
Ricky Nicol, chief executive of Commsworld, told The Scotsman the company was delighted with the accolade. “Our inclusion as a Featured Business recognizes Commsworld’s incredible journey from Edinburgh-based disruptor to one of the UK’s largest telecommunications network providers, delivering cloud, security and voice solutions, and operating the nation’s largest privately funded optical core network.”
It added that it provides “innovative and highly complex” digital infrastructure and unified communications to large organizations in the UK, driving “significant” revenue growth. “We now look forward to continuing this upward growth trajectory and unlocking exciting new opportunities for Commsworld in the months and years to come.”
Glasgow-based SMS chief executive Alan Foy said being recognized on the list is “a testament to the energy, commitment and hard work of everyone at SMS”. He added: “We are fully focused on delivering the smart metering agenda while accelerating the uptake of carbon-reducing assets, which are key to achieving the UK government’s zero-carbon ambition.
Troubled background
And as he noted, the achievements of the companies included come amid the unprecedented challenges of 2020. LSEG Managing Director David Schwimmer said, “This report highlights the vital role of SMEs in driving economic growth. , innovation and job creation across the UK.
He also said it is more important than ever to shine a light on these stories of resilience and entrepreneurship. “The success of UK SMEs is crucial as we rebuild a post-Covid-19 economy.”
One Scottish company on the list that has been classified as an essential business after the coronavirus outbreak due to its role in the food and drink supply chain is Inverclyde-based McLaren Packaging.
It was set up by James McLaren, the father of the current directors, to supply corrugated cases to the whiskey industry, and has achieved a turnover of over £30 million, with over 230 employees. and five sites in central Scotland.
He added that over the past five years, 100% of profits have been reinvested in the business to make it sustainable, and that it is “here for the long term with our focus firmly on continued growth and reinvestment”.
Ideagen, the software group cited by Aim with a major presence in East Kilbride, also highlights its bullish outlook. Managing Director Ben Dorks said the company was “proud and honoured” to be on the LSEG list, and was able to adapt and continue to grow. “Our inclusion in this report is a fantastic recognition of our hard work and an endorsement of our belief that our business is well positioned to face the future with confidence.”
The report states that the full list of Scottish companies and their respective sectors is as follows:
AC Whyte & Co – engineering and construction
A&D logistics – logistics
Adarma – professional services
Agritrac Exports – agriculture
Algo – engineering and construction
Astrak – services to industry
Bennett Group – automotive
BrewDog – food and drink
Bruce Taverns – hospitality
Campion Homes – engineering and construction
Ceramic import and manufacturing company – wholesale
City technical services – energy
Commsworld – telecommunications
Community wind – energy
Cyclops electronics – wholesale
DR Collin (Fish) – food and drink
Dem-Master – engineering and construction
Edwin James Holdings – engineering and construction
Emergency One – manufacturing
Empteezy – manufacturing
Gordon & Macphail – food and drink
Greig Engineering – engineering and construction
Ian Macleod – food and drink
Innis & Gunn – food and drink
J & S Montgomery – farming
Kiltane Retail – retail
Lindemann Healthcare – health care
Loch Duart – food and drink
Lorimer nursing homes – health care
McLaren packaging – packaging
Morris Leslie – engineering and construction
Motive Offshore Group – manufacturing
MV Commercial – transportation services
NWH Group – waste management
Odfjell Drilling Shetland – oil and gas
RAM Tubulars Scotland – engineering and construction
Richard Austin Alloys – wholesale
Richmond Group – financial services
Scotia double glazing – manufacturing
Groupe Scott – services to industry
Smart metering systems – energy
Startline Motor Finance – automotive services
Sulaire – food and drink
Summit platforms – engineering and construction
TP Niven – transportation services
Tarak International (Clothing Quiz) – retail
The Artisanal Spirits Company – food and drink
The Signature Pub Group – hospitality
Thomas Sherriff & Co – agriculture
Robust construction – engineering and construction
Weir & Mcquiston (Scotland) – engineering and construction
West Coast Motors – transportation services
WGM Engineering – engineering and construction
Windhoist – engineering and construction