For the fourth year Sandwell Council has published details of the borough’s 50 fastest growing businesses, with four companies revealing how they grew their turnover, even through difficult trading times.

The Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index 2018 was released last night (Thursday 12 July) by Think Sandwell – Sandwell Council’s initiative to boost local businesses.

It was launched at the Sandwell Business Awards, which took place at Sandwell College in West Bromwich and were presented by ITV’s Sameena Ali-Khan.

Celebrating the achievements of Sandwell’s rising stars, the index lists the 50 top-ranked companies in Sandwell in terms of rate of growth in turnover. The 50 businesses for 2018 have a combined revenue of £2.2bn and collectively employ over 9,000 people. Twenty-eight have enjoyed 10% or greater growth in turnover over the past year, while the top 13 have seen growth of 20% or more.

The figures reflect the heritage and specialisms of the Black Country, with just under half of the Top 50 businesses engaged in manufacturing. Twenty-four per cent are in retail and wholesale, while 14% are involved with construction. DPD Local UK, part of the DPD Group - the national carrier service with headquarters in Smethwick, showed the highest revenue of all, at £283m.

The company topping the list – West Bromwich-based Esprit UK which specialises in shop fitouts – had a growth rate of nearly 50%. According to finance manager Simon Eden, Esprit’s growth in sales can be partly attributed to exporting its own joinery to Europe, the Middle East and Australasia. Councillor Steve Eling, Leader of Sandwell Council, said:

“Publishing this index forms part of Sandwell Council’s ongoing support for local companies, thanking them for their contribution to West Midlands’ prosperity in both economic and employment terms.

“I would like to congratulate all the businesses featured in the Top 50 and extend these congratulations to every business continuing to thrive despite economic and political challenges.

“As always, I am proud to see the spirit of hard work and innovation that persists in Sandwell and the wider Black Country."

In the report three further businesses reveal what boosted their turnover this year, citing investments in people, marketing, products and premises.