The Business Magazine - B2B Business News - Site Logo
The Business Magazine March 2024
Read now
PICK YOUR EDITION

Sponsored by

HSBC CMA-recruitment-logo Vail Williams Logo BDB Pitmans - logo University of Southampton Business School Evelyn Partners logo
click to view sponsor profile

Solent 250 2024

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]

Ranking

Published: 02 January 2024
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

Awards Categories

International Business of the Year

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.

SPONSORED BY

Growth Story of the Year

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.

SPONSORED BY

Climate & Sustainability Award

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.

SPONSORED BY

Employer of the Year

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.

SPONSORED BY

Market Innovator of the Year

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.

SPONSORED BY

Leadership Team of the Year

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.

SPONSORED BY

Contact us

TBC
Harbour Hotel, Southampton

Contact us

Meet the Winners

International Business of the Year

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.

Winner: 

SPONSORED BY
FINALISTS

Growth Story of the Year

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.

Winner: 

SPONSORED BY
FINALISTS

Climate & Sustainability Award

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.

Winner: 

SPONSORED BY
FINALISTS

Employer of the Year

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.

Winner: 

SPONSORED BY
FINALISTS

Market Innovator of the Year

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.

Winner: 

SPONSORED BY
FINALISTS

Leadership Team of the Year

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.

Winner: 

SPONSORED BY
FINALISTS