Launch of the Solent SME Growth 100 Ranking
The Business Magazine’s Solent SME Growth 100 celebrates privately-owned small-to-medium sized enterprises based within the Solent region.
To qualify for the ranking, which was last published in 2015, companies must be based in the region and have no more than a £25 million turnover.
At the top of this year’s ranking is the Andover-based Pure Cremation, which has grown rapidly since being founded in 2015. The second spot in the Solent SME 100 ranking is filled by premium travel operator FJB Hotels. Family-owned Dolphin Motorhomes, based in Southampton, sits third.
The ranking is compiled by The Business Magazine and sponsored by SME Capital, Evelyn Partners, Cobweb Solutions and the Chilworth Partnership.
Championing local business, the Solent SME Growth 100 encompasses companies of all kinds, from commercial vehicle bodyshops and marquee manufacturers to superyachts and retailers. It is a substantial list of diverse and exciting companies who are driving innovation and growth in the South.
Cumulatively, these 100 fast-growth companies have an annual turnover of more than £1,500 million and employ more than 10,000 people from the region.
Several industries stand out. Roughly 15 per cent of this year’s fastest growing companies are in construction and related services, a further 15 per cent are in manufacturing and engineering, 10 per cent in IT and 10 per cent also in the automotive and marine sectors.
A networking dinner and awards ceremony will take place later in the programme to celebrate the best of business growth in the region.
For more information about the ranking or awards dinner please contact [email protected].
Meet the judges and sponsors
Throughout the Solent SME Growth 100 programme interviews take place with the judging panel for a number of awards.
Chilworth Partnership
“The Chilworth Partnership is thrilled to co-sponsor The Business Magazine’s Solent SME 100 Growth 2023 awards this year. As senior financial recruiters, we are especially delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Most Outstanding Finance Team’ award. We would also like to congratulate all those who have made the final top 100 list, an award in itself, and we look forward to understanding the personalities and drivers that are behind such strong company growth.”
Richard Carter and Rod Hutchings – Joint founders
Cobweb Solutions
“Cobweb Solutions is proud to support the listing of the 100 fastest growing companies
on the South Coast. As a leading Cloud Solutions and Cyber Security provider in the region, we recognise the immense value that these companies bring to the local economy and the broader business landscape. By showcasing and celebrating their remarkable growth and success, we not only inspire innovation but also foster a culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration. As these businesses expand, they create new job opportunities, attract talent, and stimulate local investment. The ranking serves as a powerful platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and collaboration which fosters an ecosystem where ideas flourish and partnerships thrive.”
Richard Meek – Head of Marketing & Communications
Evelyn Partners
"As a Top Ten firm of business and tax advisors with a strong presence in the Solent region, we are very pleased to be sponsoring the Solent SME 100 ranking. Working with ambitious businesses and supporting SMEs on their growth journey, we have over the years seen many local businesses grow from start-up to established businesses with international operations. We welcome the opportunity to support businesses on this journey through our involvement in the ranking.”
Rebecca Combes, Partner, Head of Tax Services
SME Capital
“Working with SMEs day-in, day-out we have the privilege of witnessing the quality of management teams and their colleagues and the significant value, innovation and contribution they add to the UK economy. SMEs across the Solent and wider South East have shown incredible resilience during what has been a challenging couple of years. We are pleased to be able to support many of these companies and delighted to be involved in the Solent SME Growth 100 ranking.”
Chris Collings, Regional Director
