The Solent 250 is an annual ranking that celebrates the top privately-owned businesses in the region listed by annual sales turnover.
Qualifying companies must be independent and headquartered in the Solent which is defined as Hampshire (south of Basingstoke), parts of Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex.
The ranking is compiled by The Business Magazine and sponsored by HSBC UK, specialist recruiter CMA Recruitment Group, property experts Vail Williams, law firm BDB Pitmans, wealth, accountancy & advisory firm Evelyn Partners and the University of Southampton Business School.
All companies on the ranking will be invited to a private awards dinner in 2024 - please see award category information below.
If you would like to be considered for an award, or for more information please contact [email protected]
2024 | Company Name | Town | Description | Turnover (£m) | Employee No's | Year-end |
1 | Merlin Entertainments | Poole | Theme Parks | 2,006.00 | 20,561 | 31/12/2022 |
2 | Utilita | Chandlers Ford | Smart energy experts | 1,030.80 | 1,421 | 31/03/2022 |
3 | Hendy Group | Eastleigh | Car dealership | 1,004.00 | 1,674 | 31/12/2022 |
4 | Lush Cosmetics | Poole | Cosmetic manufacturer/retailer | 657.1 | 12,704 | 30/06/2022 |
5 | Arqiva | Winchester | Communication infrastucture | 651.7 | 1,284 | 30/06/2023 |
6 | Snows Group | Southampton | Car dealership | 582.8 | 1045 | 31/12/2022 |
7 | Southern Co-operative | Portsmouth | Food stores & funeralcare | 515.4 | 3,982 | 27/01/2022 |
8 | Stannah | Andover | Lift/stairlift design & installation | 311.2 | 2,312 | 31/12/2022 |
9 | Richmond Cars | Portsmouth | Car dealership | 306.4 | 335 | 31/12/2022 |
10 | Abri | Eastleigh | Housebuilder/manager | 244.3 | 1,225 | 31/07/2022 |
11 | Natures Way Foods | Chichester | Manufacture & wholesale of fresh food | 214.2 | 1,414 | 25/03/2022 |
12 | Simplyhealth | Andover | Private health insurance | 213.3 | 960 | 31/12/2022 |
13 | Partridge of Hampshire | Southampton | Car dealership | 212.1 | 165 | 31/12/2022 |
14 | Hobbycraft Group | Christchurch | Arts & crafts retailer | 211.1 | 1,472 | 19/02/2023 |
15 | Innovation Group | Whiteley | IT services and consulting | 200.3 | 2,294 | 31/12/2022 |
16 | Churchill Retirement Living | Ringwood | Retirement home developer | 200.1 | 699 | 30/06/2022 |
17 | Liquid Friday | Portsmouth | Contractor umbrella company | 187.5 | 2,133 | 31/07/2022 |
18 | Barfoots of Botley | Bognor Regis | Importation, packing and distribution of semi exotic produce | 187.1 | 807 | 31/12/2022 |
19 | Ordnance Survey | Southampton | Mapping agency | 182.3 | 1,296 | 31/03/2022 |
20 | Onecom | Fareham | Telecoms solutions | 180.4 | 644 | 31/12/2022 |
This award looks to recognise businesses from the Ranking that have exhibited exceptional international performance in the last 12 months either through: growing export sales by entering new regions or significantly increasing revenue in existing markets; establishing operations in new territories; and/or taking an interesting, proactive or pragmatic approach to its business activities in the face of the challenges or opportunities presented from the changes in global economic and geo-political landscape.
Awarded to a privately-owned business that has grown considerably year-on-year with a compelling story to tell; that has shown stellar growth and can demonstrate it is well set up to continue this growth trajectory over the next financial year, thereby having a hugely positive impact on the Solent community.
This Award celebrates a company's exemplary dedication to eco-conscious practices. Judges will look for businesses leading the way on robust carbon footprint reduction, implementation of sustainable supply chains, innovative green technologies, and impactful corporate social responsibility. The recipient must showcase a commitment to environmental stewardship, contributing significantly to climate action within its industry.
Awarded to a company fostering an exceptional workplace. Criteria include outstanding employee satisfaction, innovative talent development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and a supportive work culture. The recipient must demonstrate exemplary leadership, commitment to employee well-being, and a positive impact on the professional growth and morale of its workforce.
The Market Innovator of the Year award recognizes a company or individual that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, forward-thinking strategies, and impactful implementations in the market. The recipient must exhibit a proven track record of pioneering solutions, fostering industry growth, and setting benchmarks for innovation in their respective market segment.
This award recognises a business with a culture that demonstrates an exemplary leadership ethos, operational excellence and a strong and well-articulated purpose connected to business strategy. Criteria includes visionary leadership, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning. Nominees should demonstrate a positive leadership mindset throughout the organisation and an inspiring workplace that has the confidence of all of its stakeholders.
This award looks to recognise businesses from the Ranking that have exhibited exceptional international performance in the last 12 months either through: growing export sales by entering new regions or significantly increasing revenue in existing markets; establishing operations in new territories; and/or taking an interesting, proactive or pragmatic approach to its business activities in the face of the challenges or opportunities presented from the changes in global economic and geo-political landscape.
Awarded to a privately-owned business that has grown considerably year-on-year with a compelling story to tell; that has shown stellar growth and can demonstrate it is well set up to continue this growth trajectory over the next financial year, thereby having a hugely positive impact on the Solent community.
This Award celebrates a company's exemplary dedication to eco-conscious practices. Judges will look for businesses leading the way on robust carbon footprint reduction, implementation of sustainable supply chains, innovative green technologies, and impactful corporate social responsibility. The recipient must showcase a commitment to environmental stewardship, contributing significantly to climate action within its industry.
Awarded to a company fostering an exceptional workplace. Criteria include outstanding employee satisfaction, innovative talent development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and a supportive work culture. The recipient must demonstrate exemplary leadership, commitment to employee well-being, and a positive impact on the professional growth and morale of its workforce.
The Market Innovator of the Year award recognizes a company or individual that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, forward-thinking strategies, and impactful implementations in the market. The recipient must exhibit a proven track record of pioneering solutions, fostering industry growth, and setting benchmarks for innovation in their respective market segment.
This award recognises a business with a culture that demonstrates an exemplary leadership ethos, operational excellence and a strong and well-articulated purpose connected to business strategy. Criteria includes visionary leadership, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning. Nominees should demonstrate a positive leadership mindset throughout the organisation and an inspiring workplace that has the confidence of all of its stakeholders.
To unlock the full list, please provide your contact details