Launch of the annual Solent 250 Ranking

Published by

Jo Whittle

The Business Magazine’s Solent 250 is an annual ranking celebrating the top privately-owned businesses in the region listed by annual sales turnover

Qualifying companies must be independent and headquartered in the Solent (South Hampshire, Dorset, South Wiltshire, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight).

Researched and compiled by The Business Magazine, the ranking is sponsored by HSBC UK, specialist recruiter CMA Recruitment Group property experts Vail Williams, law firm BDB Pitmans, wealth, accountancy and advisory firm Evelyn Partners, and the University of Southampton Business School.

Cumulatively these 250 Solent companies have an annual turnover of £21.2 billion.

This is a healthy 15 per cent growth from the previous edition. The companies on the 2024 Ranking also create an impressive 130,000 jobs.

The Business Magazine congratulates all companies that qualified for this year’s Ranking. All members are now invited to enter the nominations for this year’s awards which will recognise outstanding achievements in six categories. A private awards dinner will be held in 2024 to celebrate these achievements.

>> View the 2024 Solent 250 Ranking >>

Why we’re backing the Solent 250

“2024 will be the 10th year of HSBC’s involvement with the Solent 250. It’s great to see the continued success, growth and diversity of the businesses in the Solent region. There are now three companies on the list with turnover of more than £1 billion, which is a fantastic statement of the strength of the local economy. We welcome the new entrants and look forward to celebrating with all businesses on the list at the events planned for 2024.”

Cameron Rathwell, Area Director & Head of Corporate Banking, Thames Valley, Hampshire & Dorset, HSBC UK Bank

“We are a long-term supporter of the Solent 250 and delighted to enter our sixth successive campaign. Established in 1980, CMA Recruitment is renowned. as the south’s leading accountancy and finance, executive and HR recruitment consultancy. We already work very closely with many companies in the Solent 250 and look forward to making new introductions and helping to support even more businesses throughout the region. Our award category of Growth Business of the Year recognises those companies that are making a significant impact in their respective markets and as a consequence showcasing the Solent region.”

Richard Dibden, Commercial Director, CMA Recruitment Group

“Southampton Business School is proud to sponsor the Employer of the Year category at the Solent 250 Business Awards. By supporting Employer of the Year, we aim to celebrate companies that excel in creating positive work environments, promoting employee well- being and demonstrating outstanding leadership. Sponsoring this award also provides us with a unique opportunity to actively engage with the regional business community and showcase our dedication to promoting sustainable, equitable and just organisations.”

Jeni Giambona, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise, University of Southampton Business School

“We are delighted to enter our second year of sponsoring the Solent 250. We are looking forward to judging the top- performing companies in our region with our co-sponsors.

“We will be shortlisting companies we believe have the best corporate governance towards climate change and sustainability, a hot topic in our commercial property sector, as well as for many companies and their properties.”

Russell Mogridge, Partner, Vail Williams

“As a Top10 firm of accountants, tax advisors, wealth managers and financial planners with a strong presence in the Solent region, we are delighted to sponsor the Solent 250 programme. We work with privately owned businesses and their senior management teams, providing specialist accountancy, assurance, tax and advisory services to high-growth and mid-market businesses. We are very excited about the opportunity to continue our support and engagement with the local business community through the programme.”

Andrew Edmonds, Partner and Head of Audit, Evelyn Partners

“We are proud to sponsor the Solent 250 awards. The event brings together talent from across the region and celebrates the growth, leadership and vision behind the very best independent businesses. Companies in the Solent continue to demonstrate their versatility year after year and these awards reflect the valuable contribution they make to the UK economy.”

Oliver Kelly, Partner, BDB Pitmans