Yorkshire Report: Largest companies delivered double-digit growth during last year
The largest companies in Yorkshire delivered double-digit growth over the last year, according to a new report launched today by accountancy and advisory firm BDO.
The Yorkshire Report reveals that the 10% increase in turnover was accompanied by even stronger increase in key measures of profitability. The top 250 companies also demonstrated their economic and social value with the net creation of more than 11,000 new jobs.
Mark Langford, audit partner at BDO’s Leeds’ office, said: “The impressive all-round performance flies in the face of ongoing political uncertainty and shows Yorkshire business leaders have been pushing ahead with growth plans, whatever the potential outcome of Brexit.”
The annual bellwether for corporate Yorkshire highlights the enduring importance of the region’s mid-market, the 200 companies listed after the top 50. They grew overseas turnover by nearly 23% to £4.3bn, given a helping hand by competitive exchange rates. Overall, Yorkshire’s mid-market generated turnover growth of 11 % to £31.5bn.
Turnover for the top 250 reached a record £117.8bn. This growth did not come at the expense of margins: operating profits for the group rose by a hefty 25% to £7.5bn. EBITDA rose by 18% to £11.1bn over the period. The profitability figures indicate that double-digit growth is generating strong returns, an encouraging sign of robust corporate health which bodes well for the future.
The BDO Yorkshire Report 2019 represents a complete contrast to last year’s findings which showed growth in corporate Yorkshire was virtually non-existent with boards focused instead on lean operations and preserving profitability.
Langford added: “Yorkshire business leaders couldn’t wait forever. Tiring of the continuing political and economic instability, the latest BDO Yorkshire Report suggests they have decided to just get on with it and go for growth.
“Once again, it is our mid-market companies that are the strongest engines of economic growth and job creation. These are ambitious, outward-looking businesses who are flying the flag for UK plc across the world. They are vital not only for Yorkshire but also the UK as a whole, as we continue to steer a course through uncharted waters.
“The UK economy is at a crossroads with new technology, new international relationships, new markets and new politics creating unprecedented uncertainty for many Yorkshire businesses.
“Since 2016, as part of its New Economy campaign, BDO has been calling on the government to make effective investments to create the right environment for business and local communities to flourish in the regions outside of London and the South, in order to create regional powerhouses across the nation. The Government has been distracted in this regard for far too long.”
The major players driving turnover growth this year were Froneri, the Northallerton-based ice cream giant, Morrisons; the Bradford-based FTSE100 grocer; and Dart Group, the Leeds-based leisure, travel and logistics group. Standout performers for EBITDA included Drax, the Selby-based power generation company.
