Local firms’ export success highlighted in new league table

WEST Midlands firms figure prominently in a new table highlighting UK private businesses with the fastest-growing international sales.

Some 18 local companies figure in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table with Birmingham and West Bromwich food group 2 Sisters highest placed at 18, based on 118% international sales growth over two years. The firm has manufacturing facilities in Holland and Poland.

Next highest is Birmingham automotive parts supplier Wild Automotive at number 40 on the list with 73% international sales growth, followed by Tamworth construction materials manufacturer Instarmac at 47 (68% growth) and Oldbury metal merchant and processor HL Thorne & Co at 61 (59% growth).

Amongst the other local firms to feature are Ledbury poly-tunnel supplier Haygrove, Newport paper recycler Newport Paper, Stoke IT recruiter LA International and Coventry automotive parts manufacturer Covpress.

The Midlands (including the East Midlands) was the third largest contributing region to the table following London and the South East.

Ian Henley, head of corporate banking, commercial banking Europe at HSBC, said: “It is a massive boost to confidence to see so many privately-owned British companies – including many which HSBC has helped to support – making such a positive contribution to the UK economy, despite tough trading conditions.”