Value of North West’s listed companies hits all-time high

The North West’s listed companies have continued to increase their value in the third quarter, adding £2.4bn to their total market capitalisation, according to Deloitte.

The business advisory firm’s latest findings from the North West Share Index show an increase in overall value of listed companies, from £48.4bn in Q2 to a current total of £50.8bn.

The North West Share Index shows the total value of the region’s businesses included in the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and the FTSE Small-Cap indexes, and quoted on AIM.

The North West has performed particularly well compared with the rest of the UK, with 26 of the region’s 62 listed companies adding to their overall value.

The region’s listed companies have seen a five per cent rise in value, compared with a national rise of 0.11 per cent across the FTSE All Share Index.

The region’s best performers in Q3 include Liverpool-based manufacturing firm Surface Transforms, which saw a 52% rise in its value following a recent contract win to supply a German automotive company.

Specialist Lake District paper mill, James Cropper, a manufacturer of advanced materials and paper products, also saw a 30% increase.

Despite more challenging times across the retail market, some North West listed retailers saw their values rise considerably.

Manchester fashion group Boohoo saw a 26% rise in its total value, with record sales of more than £1bn announced in September.

Bury-based JD Sports also achieved growth of 28%, following a global 47% rise in profits over the Summer.

Andy Westbrook, senior partner for Deloitte in the North West, said: “Listed companies in the North West have continued to grow in Q3 following a successful Q2.

“It is interesting to see the growth trend of the region’s retailers and manufacturers in particular, despite changing markets and the underlying pressures that they are presented with. It clearly demonstrates the resilience of companies from across the North West.”

Bod Buckby, head of UK primary markets-North, London Stock Exchange, said: “Companies from the North West of England continue to play a key role in driving the UK economy.

“Through the main market and AIM, London Stock Exchange has supported companies across the UK to expand their business operations, increase their R&D capabilities, and fund acquisitions.

“The success of North West businesses means that the total value of listed companies from the region has never been higher.”