12 stories of growth from the SKS 250 Listing

Every business has a growth story. 

Every business on the SKS 250 Listing had to start somewhere, whether it was established by a team of experienced professionals with a fresh idea, young innovators starting their first business together or an individual with a unique product and a dream. 

Before we present a worthy winner with the Growth Story Award (sponsored by CMA Recruitment Group) at a private dinner and awards ceremony on the 29^th of June 2023, we’ve put together a list of incredible growth stories from the SKS 250 Listing. 

12. Wilson Electrical 

Guildford-based Wilson Electrical was founded in 1977. Since then, the company has managed to grow exponentially, going from being confined to the Southall area of London to covering the whole south of England with 12 branches in operation. 

11. Solventis 

Since its establishment in 2002, Solventis has always made clear visible progress without any sign of stopping. From the creation of its state-of-the-art chemical distribution centre in 2015 to it being awarded certifications from SGS in 2016 and 2018, Solventis is a renowned producer of world-class chemical solutions. Its steady growth was solidified in 2021 when the business reported a turnover in excess of EUR 300 million. 

10. Concept Building Services 

From humble beginnings in 2003 to employing more than 100 people in offices across London, West Sussex, Hampshire, West Yorkshire, Worcestershire and Devon, Concept Building Services’ growth story is not to be sniffed at. During its 20 years of operations, it has built a clear culture of collaboration, dedication and innovation. 

9. James Walker Group 

The story of the James Walker Group begins in the 1880s, when Scottish engineer James Walker independently established his London business where he ended up creating products vital to the success of a new generation of high-efficiency steam engines. Since then, through global marketing campaigns, relentless changes to the type and quality of products and ventures into new markets, the James Walker Group has grown into one of the largest businesses on the SKS 250 Listing. 

8. Kenneth Green Associates 

Kenneth Green took his international experience in the world of business and used it to launch his own in 1990. With a core goal of building brands in a ‘developed and sophisticated market in a professional and sensitive way’, it grew quickly, already representing 13 brands by its 10^th anniversary. The multi-award-winning business has since grown to employ more than 200 people and holds a significant market share. 

7. Wates Group 

What started out as a housebuilder founded by Edward Wates in 1897 has grown into one of the UK’s most respected construction, development & property service providers. The group is currently owned by the third, fourth and soon to be fifth generations of Edward Wates’ family. Employing more than 3000 people and holding the top spot on the SKS 250 listing, Wates Group has withstood the test of time. Having skilfully navigated through wars (supplying major parts that supported the D-Day invasions), long-term partnerships and more than a century’s worth of changes in the world of business, Wates Group has an inspiring growth story like no other. 

6. Leightons 

Since 1928, Leightons has been providing high-quality optical and hearing care service to customers in all southern regions of the UK. With the first Leighton’s practice being opened in Southampton after founder Oscar Leighton had gone door-to-door to drum up good business, the business has since grown to have practices in Reading, Totton, Sutton, Woodley, Cobham, Basingstoke, Poole and Thatcham and more. 

5. Nurture Landscapes 

Nurture Landscapes’ Executive Chairman Peter Fane first welcomed customers in April 2008. Originally a team of just 4 people, the group now employs well over a thousand. The group’s people are at the heart of its exponential group, with its rising numbers coming as a result of employee’s using their extensive networks of contacts to transform Nurture Landscapes into the multi award winning national contractor that it is today. 

4. Gallagher Group 

With an impressive history spanning 45 successful years in business, the Gallagher Group’s growth can be pinned down to its dedicated team of managers, technicians and operatives who are supported by investment in the best plant and equipment. With so much experience in the civil engineering and construction industry, the Gallagher Group is known for delivering incredible products to the highest of standards. 

3. Royalton Group 

With more than 20 years in business, the Royalton Group has managed to maintain its philosophy of “Concentration on delivery, quality and design”. Having grown since 1999 to hold an impressive network of renowned partners such as Barclays and Investec, the Royalton Group boasts an impressive portfolio of developments from hotels to luxury homes. 

2. Brown and Mason 

Brown and Mason truly came from humble beginnings; the business was established in 1959 by the current Managing Director’s father, who kicked it all off with just £400. Since then, Brown and Mason has worked on more than 50 power stations, developments close to St Paul’s Cathedral and the former Department of Environment’s offices in Marsham Street, London. It currently employs around 300 people, is a longstanding member of both the National Federation of Demolition Contractors and the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association, and is one of the largest demolition companies in Europe. 

1. The Farplants Group 

In 1972, before Fargro Plants had changed its name to The Farplants Group, when the late Edward Back first pitched the concept of selling high-quality garden plants to 35 Fargro members, 20 of them were doubtful and walked out on him. Since then, the group has grown into an award-winning, leading plant wholesaler worthy of a strong place on the SKS 250 listing. 

We can’t wait to meet those featured on the SKS 250 Listing at the private dinner and awards ceremony for a chance to hear even more inspiring growth stories. 

Thank you again to CMA Recruitment Group for sponsoring the Growth Story Award, and if you’d like to have a chance of taking home a trophy on the night of the ceremony, nominate yourself for this award or any of the other four awards up for grabs. 

The SKS 250 Listing can be viewed here. 

Interested in the awards? Follow this link for all category information. 

Or for more information contact Jo.Whittle@black-ox.com