Export stars revealed in new league table
TEN North West companies, including Cheshire mobile phone recycling outfit Eazyfone, have been ranked among Britain’s 100 fastest growing private companies for international sales.
With the North West being the only region to grow exports last year, it is unsurprising that so many businesses from the region are placed in the first-ever Sunday Times HSBC International Track 100.
Researchers said 10 had made a “a stellar contribution to the local economy over their last two years”.
Despite one of the hardest recessions ever, they have jointly created 621 jobs, and now employ a total of 3,004 people. International sales have grown by an average of 80% a year to a combined total of more than £107m, representing an average of 35% of the companies’ total sales of £304m.
The highest-placed North West company is Macclesfield-based Eazyfone, which is ranked in fourth place overall.
It has increased international sales by 172% a year over two years to £31.4m in 2009, buying used mobile phones from Europe and selling them to customers in mainland Europe, Africa and the Far East.
Preston company Printbetter, which makes fire equipment is close behind in fifth spot, with annual international sales growth over the last two years of 154%.
Accrington-based chemicals firm Isothane comes in at 37th with 82.2% international sales growth.
The architecture and engineering company BDP is one of six entries from the construction sector on the table.
Its projects include the Hiltonia Beach Resort in Dubai and the Ghuangzhou Tennis Centre in China. International sales have increased by 74% a year over two years to £16.5m in 2009. It comes in 46th position.
Manchester-based EDM, which provides high tech training services to the aviation sector is in 65th place having grown international sales by nearly 61% over the last two years.
Cheshire-based PVC and rubber manufacturer Berwin Group is at 69th place; Lancashire business outsourcing specialist Kammac at 75th, Manchester-based Airline Services is at 79th.
Warrington-based Risktec Solutions is at 80th in the league table and RS Clare, a lubricants maker in Liverpool is at 95.
Noel Quinn, group general manager for commercial banking UK at HSBC, said: “”It’s encouraging to see privately-owned British companies – including many which HSBC has helped to support – develop their international trade.
“With overseas sales accounting for more than half of these companies’ total sales, the International Track 100 businesses are expanding their horizons and starting to capitalise on the potential that exists in the global market.”
The league table is sponsored by HSBC and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based networking events and research company.
