Mid-sized firms pick up profits in technology and outsourcing
THE FASTEST-GROWING mid-sized companies in Britain have brushed off the downturn over the last four years to increase sales by an average 44 per cent, according to research by Investec.
Energy, commodities and financial companies feature prominently among rising private businesses, with London-based solar firm Alternergy topping Investec’s Hot 100 table, released today.
The research also pointed to a boom in outsourcing groups, which are snapping up work as the government and big businesses jettison tasks such as IT, security and training.
Gold companies such as Baird Investments and Gaimarley have cashed in on cautious investors during the financial crisis, with the groups posting compound sales growth of 115 and 95 per cent respectively over the last four financial years.
Gambling firms including Betfred and Bet365 are in the top 30 mid-sized private firms, while financial companies Ria Capital Markets and Troy Asset Mangement are also lauded as fast-growing groups, according to Companies House figures compiled by Investec.
“The big lesson from this year’s research is that, even in a tough climate, Hot 100 companies stay relevant… As one market declines, they possess the high-energy leadership and finely tuned antennae to shift decisively into new growth areas,” said Matthew Rock, founder-editor of Real Business, which published the research.