Grant Thornton report to highlight leading private firms

BUSINESS advisers and accountancy firm Grant Thornton is set to launch an in-depth report into what is driving the success of the region’s leading private businesses.

The firm has been working on a major piece of research, called North West Ltd, which an analyses the performance of the region’s top private businesses, as defined by sustained turnover growth over three years.

It will be unveiled at a breakfast event on September 29 at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Manchester.

Grant Thornton is inviting owners and executives from private companies to attend the launch event, which will be addressed by Johnathan Johnson, the chief executive of Warrington-based international technical recruiter Fircroft.

Mr Johnson who has driven the growth of the family business, now backed by private equity investor Equistone, will outline how he and his management team,  have expanded Fircroft into international markets as well as diversified its service portfolio.

Carl Williams, managing partner Grant Thornton North West, said: “The regional economy is being driven forward by a group of lean and agile businesses getting strategy and delivery right. These are firms that understand their markets, with decision makers in the boardrooms that have adapted well to changing circumstances.

“The Ltd Report looks at the big calls these businesses have made and their focus on issues such as investment in operations, product and process innovation, customer behaviours, acquisitions as well as success in new domestic and overseas markets. It’s a fascinating insight into what success in private business looks like.”

The report also features case studies from thriving North West businesses, including Edward Billington, Downing, EA Technology, and The Fragrance Shop, and provides a compelling illustration of our region’s growth story.

To register for a place at the launch of North West Ltd, contact Wendy Billington on 0161 953 6410 or email: wendy.a.billington@uk.gt.com