Top 10 manufacturing SMEs in the Surrey, Kent and Sussex

In this article we use data from the Surrey Kent Sussex 250 listing to highlight the top performing SME manufacturing companies, their revenue figures and delve into what they do and how they do it.

The Business Magazine's Surrey Kent Sussex 250 listing celebrates the top companies by turnover in the region.

The UK Government defines an SME as a company with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than 50 million euro.

The SKS 250 listing is compiled by The Business Magazine and sponsored by business advisory firm BDO, HSBC Bank, investment banking firm Zeus, recruitment specialists CMA Recruitment and full-service law firm Irwin Mitchell.

To qualify for the listing businesses need to be independent, privately-owned companies, headquartered within the region.

This month, The Business Magazine announced the finalists for inaugural Surrey Kent Sussex 250 listing awards.

List:

1 - GEW UV: turnover 46.8m

GEW UV is a company that specialises in the design and installation of UV LED systems, based south of London in Crawley, West Sussex. Family-owned, they deal in UV curing systems for printing, labelling, metal decorating and industrial applications and have had thousands of installations across the world. They have subsidiaries in Germany and the USA, and are supported by an international distribution and service network.

2 - Imperial Ductwork Services: turnover 46.8m

With around 50 employees, Imperial Ductwork Services (IDSL) are based out of Sidcup, Kent. Founded in 1997, they have grown into an industry-leading manufacturer and installer of Ductwork Ventilation Systems. They also have a manufacturing facility based in Dartford, in addition to facilities across the South-East.

3 - Blue Mushroom: turnover 43.1m

From their offices in Chertsey, Surrey, Blue Mushroom is a progressive print and graphic design company which employs a small workforce of 10 staff. The company was established in 1990 and they provide high quality lithographic and digital printing, photocopying, large format and exhibition displays.

4 - Stephenson Group: turnover 42.8m

Stephenson Group was formed in 1962 and specialise in the design and build of reinforced concrete frames, shell and core construction and property development. Their West Sussex offices are located in Horsham. In addition to their Head Office there, they also have regional offices in Wales and Scotland over which they employ around 150 staff.

5 - Aerotron Ltd: turnover 42.7m

Based in Crawley, West Sussex, Aerotron Ltd is a leading supplier to the European aviation industry and specialises in component support solutions. Aerotron works within both the civil and military marketplace, and currently employs just over 50 staff members. They were established in 1973 by the Westley family.

6 - Britannia Superfine: turnover 41.9m

One for the chocaholics, Britannia Superfine are one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of chocolate products, fondants, sugar and chocolate based ingredients. Headquartered in Polegate in East Sussex, their workforce is around 150 members of staff.

7 - Gallery Direct: turnover 34.8m

Gallery Direct were established just over 50 years ago and are Britain’s leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of home furnishings - with a range of over 1,600 products.Their headquarters are based in Sittingbourne and currently employ around 130 members of staff.

8 - Aspinal of London: turnover 33.6m

Crafters of leather goods, Aspinalls of London ‘define timeless English style’. They were established in 2001 by entrepreneur Iain Burton. His wife, Mariya Dykalo is our Creative Director. With around 200 staff currently employed by the luxury goods manufacturer, they are based in the village of Fernhurst, West Sussex.

9 - Jayar Car Parts: turnover 31.7m

Established in 1976, Jayar Car Parts are located in Maidstone, Kent and are among the largest independent distributors of car parts and accessories in the UK. Employing staff across 39 branches in the South of England, they hold huge stocks and supply many of the major brands in the industry.

10 - Castacrete: turnover 28.4m

Based in East Farleigh, Kent, Castacrete manufacture and distribute concrete paving and block paving. Established for over 50 years, their aim is to ‘create the most beautiful landscaped space [their customers] have always dreamed of’. Having moved into the international market in 2014, they currently have in excess of 100 employees and continue to expand.