The shortlist of HSBC’s Business Thinking competition with the Daily Telegraph has revealed that 38 of the 54 companies are manufacturing businesses.
Launched in 2010, the HSBC / Daily Telegraph Business Thinking competition recognises some of the UK’s brightest private companies. Entries are judged on a range of criteria, including growth 12-months, but must be characterised by entrepreneurial, forward and export-oriented ‘business thinking’.
Tony Calderia, owner of the Liverpool-based producer of soft furnishings.
The shortlist of 54 companies were announced yesterday (Tuesday) and now go through to the next round to compete for a portion of £108m in finance to develop their companies and access new markets.
Part of the award for being shortlisted is joining a week-long “thought exchange” delegation to network with potential new customers and suppliers in cities including Dubai, Hong Kong, New York and Sao Paulo.
Of the 54 companies from selected from the eight principal regions of the United Kingdom, 35 companies (65%) are manufacturers.
Burt loves his chips – he even sells them in Bloody Mary flavour!
The companies cover a diverse range of manufacturing, from beer to toy-making and soft furnishings, to equipment for aerospace and defence and chemicals.
More information about the shortlisted companies can be found at: www.hsbc.co.uk/businessthinking
“Never sell anything you wouldn’t eat yourself” – Tony Deep Wouhra, owner of Midlands-based East End Foods. The company forecasts a turnover of £130m this year.
The manufacturers in the group, divided by regional location, are:
Company / Activity / Turnover (forecast 2011)
London
Spheric Trafalgar / Ball bearings / £14m
Waterlogic International / Water purification / £41m
South
Higgidy Bakers / pie-making / £12m
The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys / Bakers, sweet pastries / £23m
South West
Artemis Optical Precision / optical thin-film coatings / NA
Aero Stanrew / Electromagnetic components / £10.5m
Burts Potato Chips / Food – potato crisps / £12.5m
Central and East East
Camvac / Metallised laminates & other products / £30m
Pluswipes / Hygiene goods, wet wipes / 3-yr forecast £10m
Sealey Power Products / Power tools / £75m
Sealskinz / Waterproof garments / £5.9m
Sonic Distribution and SE Electronics / Electronic equipment / £6m
Wales
Mustang Country / Boat building and repair / NA
TB Davies (UK) / Ground support equipment, defence / NA
Wild Country / Climbing apparatus / £5m
Midlands
Advance Tapes / Adhesive tapes / £23m
Brandenburg UK / Insect control systems / NA
East End Foods / Food manufacturer and importer / £130m
Morgan Motor Company / Sports car manufacturer / £37m
NDC Polythenes / Polythene / £8m
Zaun / Fencing / NA
North West
ACDC Lighting Systems / Lighting / £12m
Caldeira / Soft furnishings / NA
Hughes Safety Showers / Safety equipment / £8.9m
MPM Products / Pet food / £12.5m
RS Clare / Specialist greases / NA
North East
Aflex / Hose manufacturer / £17.8m
Boost Drinks / Energy drinks / NA
Fine Industries / Fine chemicals (pictured) / NA
Fired Up / Heating and cooling products / NA
Luxus / Plastics manufacturer and recycler / £20m
Moon / Textiles / £14m
Scotland and N. Ireland
Brewdog / Brewer / £15m (forecast end of 2012)
Advanced Sensors / Oil extraction equipment / £5m in 2010
Mackays / Food manufacturer / £12.5
Merson Signs / Sign maker / £11m
