The London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) report, “1000 Companies to Inspire Britain”, celebrates some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs in the UK.

As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the publication examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.

The research paints a vibrant picture of the British economy, as well as dispelling certain myths: manufacturing, for example, accounts for almost a fifth of the companies within the index. The UK’s technology is in very good health, with 105 tech businesses making the list of 1,000. Over 100 sectors in total are represented; from architecture and automotive, to venture capital and wine, with companies from across every region of the UK.

Greater London accounts for 267 companies out of the 1,000, with the remainder spread evenly across the country. South East England and North West England are separated by just 18 companies with a number of regional hubs being highlighted in the report.

“The UK has some of the most inspiring growth businesses in the world. Our report showcases some of these fast-growing and dynamic companies; the type of companies we believe will help fuel the long-term growth of the UK economy,” says Xavier Rolet, chief executive of London Stock Exchange Group. 

“Working with the government and the wider financial community, we need to foster an ecosystem that promotes the right type of funding for businesses at each stage of their journey, so that together, we can drive our own prosperity.”

The report was compiled and audited by Growth Intelligence, a UK software company specialising in monitoring the real-time data footprint of UK companies. 

To be considered for inclusion in the report, companies had to meet a range of criteria. These included being UK based, having a turnover of between £6-250m in the last 12 months and a minimum of three years in operation. Companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings.

Notable names that made the 1,000 companies include:

• Mulberry 
• Aardman Animations
• Jack Wills
• Addison Lee
• Hunter Boots
• Cath Kidston
• Naked Wines
• Mind Candy (producers of Moshi Monsters)
• Moonpig
• Metro Bank
• Boohoo.com
• Brewdog

You can read the whole report – and browse the 1,000 companies – here.

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