Thriving businesses celebrate at Ward Hadaway's Fastest 50 Yorkshire Awards 2023
The awards recognise the top 50 fastest growing, privately owned businesses across Yorkshire and celebrate the innovation, entrepreneurialism and dynamism of the region’s businesses.
Bradford-based Power Sheds was the overall fastest growing business of 2023, with an astonishing 268 percent increase in growth over the last three years.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be here today, in a room full of some of the most innovative, high growth businesses born and bred in Yorkshire,” said keynote speaker Charlene Lyons, CEO of Black Sheep Brewery, one of the region’s most iconic brands.
“The Fastest 50 is a wonderful highlight of how, despite some incredibly tough trading conditions, those who have a strong vision and purpose can achieve. Well done to you all, you’ve had to be brave, take risks and managed to grow despite the odds being stacked against you. That’s true entrepreneurialism at its finest.
“I’m honoured to share my personal experience in business over the last few years which have been challenging to say the least. One thing I’ve learnt about business and, crucially success in business, is the need to show vulnerability.
"It’s important that we are honest and open about the hurdles we have faced and continue to face as this shows the true determination and passion behind each and every one of you standing in front of me today.”
2023’s Fastest 50 reveals a diverse range of dynamic, creative and inspiring businesses in Yorkshire.
From Barnsley and Bridlington to Richmond and Rotherham, business leaders gathered together to celebrate success.
In this year’s list, companies from a variety of sectors including construction, technology, manufacturing, retail and business services appear. The businesses that comprise 2023’s Fastest 50 have secured a combined increase in turnover of £1.9 billion – a remarkable achievement.
The Yorkshire Post’s deputy business editor Greg Wright and Ward Hadaway’s Emma Digby, executive partner at Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office, also shared their thoughts on Yorkshire’s most successful businesses at this year’s Fastest 50 event.
“I am absolutely blown away by the passion and positivity of today,” said Emma.
“The buzz in the room is incredible, despite the ongoing challenges and hardship business leaders from across the region are up against. We all read the news; we all know what’s going on in the world. There’s a lot of doom and gloom but Yorkshire businesses are thriving - demonstrating the strength of character that is so unique about Yorkshire businesses. People have got their heads down, adapted to an ever-changing working environment and learnt how to do business differently in an increasingly complex world.
“The Fastest 50 Awards are very important because it's where we celebrate what Yorkshire businesses have achieved. It’s vital that we highlight them, take a breath, and recognise their success. Congratulations to our worthy winners - to see such phenomenal growth is incredible. Each and every business on this year’s list thoroughly deserves to be there. What fantastic news for Yorkshire and its thriving business community.”
Twelve percent of businesses that appeared in the 2023 Fastest 50 list are retailers.
Eco-friendly clothing retailer Lucy & Yak was started by Lucy Greenwood, from Barnsley, and her partner Chris Renwick. Now a well-known brand of sustainable clothing, Lucy & Yak boast a turnover of over £17 million and is sold in multiple countries across the world. The retailer has recently collaborated with international superstar Ed Sheeran on a specific clothing line.
David Robinson, Chairman at Lucy & Yak, said: “We’re extremely pleased to make not just the top 50 but the top 10 list of Yorkshire’s fastest growing businesses. We’ve got great founders who are focused on the customer and determined to deliver their vision in offering a unique and sustainable clothing brand that meets the customer’s need.
"Quality in customer service is at the heart of Lucy & Yak and the driver behind our growth. 2023 is set to be busier than ever, and we’ve just opened a new warehouse in Barnsley. It’s a pivotal milestone in our growth – and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
The 50 Fastest growing and privately-owned businesses are determined by an analysis of Companies House data and relate to the previous three years of trading. 2023’s winners are based on the business period between 2020 and 2023.
Meet the fastest growing businesses in Yorkshire.
Power Sheds
Taking the award for overall fastest growing business and fastest growing medium-sized business (category turnover £10-£30million) is Bradford-based Power Sheds. The company saw an impressive 268 percent turnover growth, catapulting them to the top spot.
Power Sheds was established in 2019 by founders Jack Sutcliffe and Simon Hobson. The duo spotted a gap in the market for online shed sales, offering quality and durability - and a simple means to buy and build.
The company created the first modular garden building on the market. Its adaptable shed design means that customers can ‘build their own’, adding doors and windows to any side, as they assemble the garden building, delivering ultimate flexibility.
The firm, which produces the UK’s most awarded garden shed and has a 5 star Trustpilot rating, takes a sustainable approach to business. It plants three trees for every one cut down and works with a small, carefully selected stable of timber suppliers and forests, dedicated to sustainable forest management.
Following a partnership with sustainable forestry business BSW Group, which has seen the Group acquire a stake in the Yorkshire shed manufacturer, Power Sheds now plans to broaden its range of wooden products for the garden, expanding its reach into Europe.
The founders of the business will still remain in full control, but BSW Group’s cash injection will enable it to spread its wings internationally. Following expansion into Europe, Power Sheds hopes to enter the US market too.
Speaking about their win, Chief Executive Jack Sutcliffe said, “The Fastest 50 is a fantastic event to showcase the innovation and homegrown talent in the region. We’ve achieved rapid growth in a relatively short space of time because we’ve been able to meet customers' needs quicker than anyone else. We have in place a close-knit team who work extremely well together towards the same goals. And that’s what’s at the heart of our continued expansion - the right people, with the right skills, working in the right environment. Our double win at this year’s awards wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Vuba
The fastest growing small business (category turnover £1-£10million) of 2023 is Vuba - a leading independent resin manufacturer based in Beverly.
With nearly 15 years in business, the 35-strong company employs a team of inventors, manufacturers and pioneers who have developed a range of award-winning resin products. Manufactured in the UK, Vuba’s ever-expanding product range is sold to both the trade and DIY markets globally.
Innovation and diversification are key drivers for the growth of the business, which prides itself on the quality of its products and customer service. Vuba, which was established in 2009, originally entered the resin products reseller market.
Today, it manufactures 100 percent of its resin products which are mostly used as flooring in gardens and driveways. Managing director Sean Scott has ensured the business remains true to its core values of exceptional quality and client care.
Sean and the team are now firmly focused on expansion with plans to open an innovative advanced resin manufacturing facility in the region as it continues to grow its client base and workforce.
Speaking of Vuba’s win at the Ward Hadaway Yorkshire Fastest 50 Awards, Pika Kos said, “We’re delighted to win the small business category, especially at a super exciting time in our journey. New product development, a highly connected, invested team and a clear, sustainable strategy has been our route to growth - and it’s wonderful to be acknowledged for our passion, hard work and commitment to making Vuba the born and bred Yorkshire business it is today.”
Vizion Network
The fastest growing large business of 2023 is Vizion Network (category turnover £30million+). With an annual turnover of £186million, the specialist vehicle repair network is headquartered in Hull and Wellingborough and has independent repair centres across the UK. Working closely with a range of clients, Vizion collaborates with a network of expert vehicle repairers, utilising their skills alongside industry leading digital technologies.
The award was picked up by Alistair McDonald, Business Development Director at Ward Hadaway, on behalf of Vizion Network.
He said, “It was a privilege to pick up this award on behalf of a worthy winner. Vizion Network has built a network of experienced repair experts to deliver the very best results and the company’s spot at the top of the Fastest 50 is testament to its drive and determination.
“The Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 is a fantastic event that salutes the most dynamic, enterprising and innovative businesses in the Yorkshire region. They are bringing jobs and investment which has been so important, particularly when the economy has faced so many difficulties over the past few years.
“The success of businesses like Vizion Network shows that Yorkshire really is a region that’s thriving and is a great place to establish and grow world-beating businesses.
“This year’s list represents companies from a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, motor vehicle repairs, construction, retail, media, logistics, plus food and drink. Well done to all the businesses that have featured.”