Annual turnover of Essex’s top 100 privately owned companies up 28.8% to £14.2bn
24 November 2023
- Essex Limited report reveals that profit for county’s top 100 firms is up 12.6%
- Upminster based Uniserve leads top 100 ranking following 106.7% turnover growth
- Essex businesses demonstrate strong resilience to the economic headwinds of recent years
Today, Grant Thornton UK LLP unveils the 13th edition of its annual Essex Limited report. The ranking of the county’s 100 leading privately-owned companies shines a light on how the Essex business community has thrived despite a period of inflationary pressures and continued global macro-economic challenges.
The Essex Limited report – produced in conjunction with Birketts LLP – is part of an annual series of business analysis of UK counties undertaken by Grant Thornton. It celebrates the showcased firms and provides well deserved recognition for their contribution to the region and the wider UK economy. The top 100 list is compiled using the most recent publicly available accounts as of 16th October 2023 and reviews the county’s 100 largest privately owned companies, based upon turnover.
Topping the rankings this year is Uniserve, whose high turnover is in part attributed to increases in sea freight pricing.
The report identifies the top five largest privately-owned companies by turnover in Essex as:
- Uniserve Limited
- Hill Holdings Limited
- Clearsprings (Management) Limited
- Glyn Hopkin Holdings Limited
- Pozitive Energy Ltd
The 100 companies featured have turnovers ranging from £52.8m to £928.5m. Collectively, turnover was up 28.8% to £14.2bn from October 2022. The growth in profit based upon earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) – up 12.6% to £916.6m – was especially impressive.
Consumer was the most represented sector in the ranking, with 34 private firms generating £3.9bn of turnover (including motor retail). This was followed by the Services sector (including freight and logistics) with 18 companies generating £3.4bn, and then Real Estate and Construction, with 21 companies generating £3.3bn turnover.
Other areas from across the East of England have not seen salary increases keep in line with inflation. However, perhaps due to competition from London markets, the average salary in Essex has increased by 10.7% this year.
Doug Bentley, Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP said: “Our Essex Limited Report shines a light on the region’s 100 most successful private companies. They are exemplars, setting a path that should inspire others and we’ve been encouraged by the continued optimism of Essex business leaders during conversations we’ve had when compiling this report.
“Essex has not been immune from the economic headwinds faced by most businesses over the course of the last 12 months – but the private companies in our Limited report show a track record of resilience, dynamism and growth that demonstrate why it’s a great place to do business.”
Adam Jones, Partner at Birketts, said: “Despite the domestic and international challenges of the past 12 months, Essex’s businesses have shown an incredible ability to remain competitive and successful.
“The figures from this year’s report demonstrate the strength and breadth of private companies in the region. The companies are contributing greatly to the local and national economies, and Essex remains a key region where enterprise has a huge potential to develop and thrive.”
To see the full report please visit: Essex Limited 2023 – who made the list? | Grant Thornton UK LLP
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Adam Jones
