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Smith & Williamson Growth Business of the Year contenders

WHAT makes a successful, growing company?

There are so many measures of growth: turnover, market share, profits, sales and staff numbers. But sustainability of that growth is the key ingredient to ensure a business’s long-term future.

Businesses that have beaten the downturn to flourish with sustainable and consistent growth over the past two years are what judges are looking for in the Smith & Williamson Growth Business of the Year Award.

The judging panel want to see companies that demonstrated consistent sustainable growth in cashflow and earnings over the last two years with expectations of continued growth for the foreseeable future.

Accountancy group Smith & Williamson, which has its south coast offices in Southampton, provides investment management, accountancy, tax, corporate and financial advice to private clients, corporates, professional practices, and non-profit organisations.

The group has 11 main offices in the UK and Ireland, and employs 1,500 people.

WPL

WPL Ltd is an internationally recognised leader in the design, manufacture and supply of standardised and bespoke environmental solutions.

The Waterlooville firm provides innovative and reliable sewage and wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting and grease management systems for domestic, commercial and industrial markets, as well as being one of the main suppliers to the UK’s water utility companies.

For more than 20 years, it has been dedicated to delivering the highest quality products and services that are fully supported by its qualified engineers and backed up by quality guarantees.

The result is dependable and innovative solutions that consistently exceed its customers’ expectations.

Hamworthy Heating

Hamworthy Heating is a leading British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating, hot water and renewable energy solutions.

Since pioneering the concept of modular boilers in the UK in the 1960s the Poole based firm has continued to grow, providing space heating and hot water solutions for a wide range of commercial applications.

The passion for innovation has fuelled a team committed to world class manufacturing and award winning product design in Great Britain.

From diverse commercial boiler and water heating technologies to integrating renewable energy systems, including biomass boilers and Solar Thermal, the scale and breadth of its product offer is unparalleled.

Salon Supplies

Salon Supplies have been wholesaling hair products, colours and electricals to professional hairdressers for 35 years and was founded in Chandler’s Ford.

The business grew from one can of hairspray in a lock up garage to £9.4m of turnover, seven branches, 16 field sales consultants and 85 staff.

The company set an ambitious strategy of growth back in 2009 which has resulted in three years of excellent sales growth and exceptional profitability.

The strategy included a reorganisation of senior management, an integrated national marketing campaign, the launch of an online shop, acquisition of a competitor and expansion into international markets.

Leadbitter

Leadbitter Group is one of the UK's leading construction businesses, with substantial expertise across all building sectors and proven leadership in the areas of corporate social responsibility, community engagement and sustainability.

The Southern Construction and Housing business has been based in Hedge End since 2004 and has enjoyed continuing profitable growth and success during this period.

An integral part of the local construction fabric, in the last three years Leadbitter has completed over £60m of projects within the Solent region, including the £22m redevelopment of City College Southampton, and are currently engaged with Southampton FC designing and constructing the prestigious first team and Academy training facility in Marchwood.