TENTH YEAR Research report 2019 - Fast Track · • The top-ranked company is fitness clothing retailer Gymshark, headquartered in Solihull. It grew international sales 228% a year,

years2009-201910

Research report 2019Britain's 200 mid-market private companieswith the fastest-growing international sales

@ST_FastTrack

#IntTrack200

Main sponsorsTitle sponsor

T E N T H Y E A R

https://twitter.com/ST_FastTrack?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://twitter.com/hashtag/IntTrack200?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

© 2019 International Track 200 fasttrack.co.uk

International Track 200 research report 2019 i

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1Top 10 International Track 200 companies

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2International sales Key themes KEY STATISTICS 3International sales Overseas markets 4Sector breakdown 5Industry breakdown Regional breakdown 6Job creationFoundation datesOwnership 7External capital Brexit 8

TEN YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL TRACK 200 9Stock market flotationsAcquisitionsThe first International Track 10FailuresSector changesAlumni companies 11

KEY THEMES & SELECTED COMPANY PROFILES 13 Trading in Europe Trading outside the EU 14 Focus: China 15 Focus: Africa 16 Ecommerce 17 Product innovation 18 Expansion through technology 19 Growth by acquisition 20 Female founders & leaders 21 British brands 22 2019 INTERNATIONAL TRACK 200 LEAGUE TABLE 23

METHODOLOGY 31

SUPPORTERS 32 Media partner Sponsors 33

ABOUT FAST TRACK 34Compiler & publisher The authors Fast Track 35

CONTACT DETAILS 35

https://www.fasttrack.co.uk/


International Track 200 research report 2019 1

This year's No 1 company is fitness clothing retailer Gymshark, founded in 2012 by Ben Francis in his parents' garage. Its 13 multilingual websites sell to customers in 178 countries

INTRODUCTIONThis is the 10th year of The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, the league table of Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales. HSBC is the title sponsor of the league table, and DHL Express and Oracle NetSuite are main sponsors.

The International Track 200 ranks the 200 mid-market companies (total sales of £25m+) based on their growth in international sales over the last two years of available data; whereas our SME Export Track 100 ranks companies with sales of less than £25m. However, available data on international sales have limitations [page 31].

Despite the backdrop of continuing Brexit-related uncertainty, the growth rate of this year's 200th company at 31%, almost double that of two years ago, is the highest in the league table's history, demonstrating the continued resilience of British companies trading overseas.

The average international sales growth over the last two years for the 200 companies was 69% a year, to a total of £14.1bn on combined total sales of £30.9bn. They export to all corners of the globe and employ 140,000 staff, having added 38,000 jobs over the same period.

Featured companies include fitness clothing retailer Gymshark (No 1), beauty product retailer Charlotte Tilbury Beauty (No 60), theatre operator Ambassador Theatre Group (No 88), and brewery Brewdog (No 168).

1[16]

GymsharkFitness clothing retailer Solihull Jul 18 228.06% *80,958 *103,232 260 2012 Queues for its Paris, LA and Toronto pop-up

shops stretched around street corners

2[3]

Cult BeautyOnline beauty retailer Central London May 18 206.58% *35,337 *69,685 108 2008 Sells cult and up-and-coming beauty

brands from around the world

3[6]

White LightEntertainment production supplier Southwest London Mar 18 198.42% 12,613 39,311 226 1971 Designed Discovery Eurosport's TV studios

for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea

4[10]

MiQ Digital marketing agency Central London Dec 17 174.74% 121,871 155,876 410 2010 Operates globally from 15 offices in North

America, Europe and Asia Pacific

5[8]

iPulseHair removal technology Swansea Dec 17 167.26% 30,945 32,874 39 2002 Exports to more than 30 countries accounted

for 94% of turnover in 2017

6 Saville GroupAudiovisual equipment supplier York Dec 17 166.04% 3,993 42,145 257 1876 Installs video conferencing technology in

overseas offices of UK-based clients

7 High Street TVTV shopping channel Harrogate Dec 18 164.72% *16,279 *66,899 115 2008 Sells household goods and gifts to more

than 80 countries

8 [9]

Carrs Foods Bakery products provider Manchester Dec 17 158.73% 18,991 49,430 23 1986 Supplies European bakery products to

more than 10,000 stores around the world

9 Crep ProtectFootwear accessories developer West London Feb 18 151.80% 20,192 27,001 25 2012 Has collaborated with the National

Basketball Association in the US

10[14]

Opus Talent SolutionsRecruitment consultancy Bristol Dec 17 151.64% 26,101 75,951 239 2008 Its international clients include Uber, Burberry

and General Electric

Rank2019

FYEHQ locationActivity[2018]Company

Annual int'l sales growth

over 2 yrs§

Latest int'l sales

£000 Staff Founded Comment

Top 10 companies on the league table

§ compound annual growth rate between 2015/16 and 2017/18 * supplied by company

Latest total sales

£000


International Track 200 research report 2019


2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Overview• This year’s International Track 200 companies increased their

overseas sales by an average of 69% a year over two years, from a total of £6bn to £14.1bn

• 86% of the companies (171) sell to mainland Europe, making it the most popular market, followed by North America (128) and Asia (73)

• The top countries for overseas sales are the US (124 companies), Germany (88), France (65), Ireland (47), the Netherlands (45), China (44) and Australia (44)

• There are 82 manufacturers, and 56 of these make products in the UK

• Consumer goods is the largest industry (43 companies), followed by technology, media and telecoms (TMT) (39), business services (34) and food and drink (24)

Key themes

Trading in Europe: Mainland Europe is the most popular region for overseas sales, and a major market for 171 companies [page 13]

Trading outside the EU: North America (128) and Asia (73) are the most popular regions outside the EU for international sales [page 14]

Focus: China: More than a third of companies (77) consider it a main or key future market, making the country the second most important source of future overseas sales after the US [page 15]

Focus: Africa: 14 companies are targeting Africa, including developing markets such as Botswana and Ghana [page 16]

Ecommerce: Excelling at online trade has proved transformative for many retailers with 34 ecommerce goods exporters featuring [page 17]

Product innovation: 70 companies attribute their international sales growth to investment in new products and R&D [page 18]

Expansion through technology: International Track 200 companies are investing in new technology to help manage their overseas growth and access new markets [page 19]

Growth by acquisition: 57 companies have bought or partnered with other businesses to expand internationally, down slightly on 2018 (60 firms), but up on 2017 (46 firms) [page 20]

Female founders & leaders: A sixth of league table companies (34) are founded or co-founded by women, or have a woman in a main leadership role [page 21]

Brand Britain: Some of Britain’s most recognisable brands are successfully growing their overseas sales, with BrewDog, Charlotte Tilbury and Grenade all making this year’s table [page 22]

69% pa

£154.4m

London & southeast (110)

50-1,000

£70.5m

£97.0m

Services (93)

25%

£30.2m

1996Entrepreneur and/or

founder (99)73

Average growth over two years

Sales in 2017-18

Region

Typical number of staff in 2016-18

International sales in 2016-18

Sales in 2015-16

Sector

Typical increase in staff over two years

International sales in 2015-16

FoundedMajority ownership

PE/VC, angel or corporate investment

International sales

Total sales

Company characteristics

Staff

Characteristics of a typical International Track 200 company

8

102

18

150-200%

100-150%

25-50%

50-100%

>200% 2

Growth in international sales

No. of companies in each range of compound annual growth rate of international sales over latest 2 years

70




KEY STATISTICS

International sales• Companies on the league table are required to have total sales

greater than £25m, and have international sales greater than £1m, and to be profitable

• The top-ranked company is fitness clothing retailer Gymshark, headquartered in Solihull. It grew international sales 228% a year, from £7.5m in 2016 to £81m in 2018

• International sales at the 200th ranked company, pet food producer MPM Products, grew an average of 31% a year, from £21.2m in 2015 to £36.2m in 2017

• 28 companies had triple-digit growth in international sales, including online beauty retailer Cult Beauty (No 2), whose international sales rose an average of 207% a year, from £3.8m in 2016 to £35.3m in 2018; and High Street TV (No 7), which grew overseas sales an average of 165% a year, from £2.3m in 2016 to £16.3m in 2018

• Online bookmaker bet365 (No 180) had the highest international sales on the table, at £2.1bn in 2018. It also recorded the biggest absolute increase in international sales, at £945.3m

• Combined international sales of the 200 companies were £14.1bn and total sales were £30.9bn

• Average operating profits were £11.4m. The company with the highest profit margin is dispute resolution consultancy Blackrock Expert Services (No 162), which made an operating profit of £10.6m on total sales of £29.7m in 2017 (a margin of 36%)

Companies with the largest international sales

Rank CompanyActivity FYE Int'l sales

£m

180 bet365Online bookmaker Mar 18 2,054

192 Pentland Group Brand manager and retailer Dec 17 1,402

167 Collinson Benefits and loyalty provider Apr 18 674

53 Mace Construction project manager Dec 17 665

63 The Hut Group Online retailer Dec 17 513

17£75-100m

£50-75m

£25-50m

>£100m

Latest total sales

Number of companies in each range

53

52

Alexia Inge co-founded Cult Beauty (No 2) in 2008. Its website sells beauty products to Europe and the Middle East, generating exports of £35m last year

12£75m-£100m

£50m-£75m

£25m-£50m 49

>£100m

Latest international sales


24

15

£10m-£25m

£1m-£10m 42

58

78




4

Overseas markets• 86% of the companies (171) sell to mainland Europe, making it

the most popular market, followed by North America (128) and Asia (73), including 44 in China

• 69% (137) intend to expand sales to Europe in the future, with North America (120) the next most popular potential market for growth, followed by Asia (98)

• More than half the companies (114) focus their sales on one or two continents. 18 companies have key markets spread across four or more continents. For example, CDE Global (No 169) sells its industrial processing machinery in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Australia, and recently invested in a new US headquarters in Texas

• The top countries for overseas sales are the US (124), Germany (88), France (65), Ireland (47), the Netherlands (45), and China and Australia (44 each)

• 80 companies export to or operate in emerging markets†, such as online retailer The Hut Group (No 63), which makes more than 10% of its £736m sales in China

• The top countries identified by the companies for future international expansion are the US (109 companies), China (63), Germany (62), France (38), Australia (35) and Ireland (25)

† Emerging markets as defined by the FTSE list of emerging countries

171EUROPE

73ASIA

128NORTH AMERICA

8SOUTH AMERICA

14AFRICA

31MIDDLE EAST

48

AUSTRALASIA

Main markets of the International Track 200 companies*

China is a main overseas market for 44 companies, with 63 saying it is a top future market (see p.15)

* map shows the number of companies selling to each market




Sector breakdownThe International Track 200 companies operate in a range of sectors, and, due to the breadth of their activities, 71 companies are considered to operate across two sectors. Sports nutrition brand BULK POWDERS (No 80), for example, is both a manufacturer and a retailer.

The largest sectors are services (93 companies) and manufacturing (82, including some firms that outsource their manufacturing to third parties).

• Services (93) encompasses a wide range of industries, and includes media firms such as events organiser FIRST (No 122); recruiters, like Phaidon International (No 152); and consultancies such as Oxford Economics (No 93), which provides economic research

• Manufacturers (82), including those that outsource to third parties, are represented by snack maker Cofresh Snacks (No 77), safety device manufacturer Brigade Electronics (No 171), and hair removal technology firm iPulse (No 5)

• Wholesalers (58) comprise consumer goods suppliers such as lifestyle products wholesaler Thumbs Up (No 23), and food distributors like baked products provider Carrs Foods (No 8)

• Retailers (33) include companies that trade overseas through online channels, such as fitness clothing retailer Gymshark (No 1) and sports goods retailer retailer Sigma Sports (No 15). Others, such as maternity and babywear retailer JoJo Maman Bébé (No 135), have opened physical stores overseas

• Construction (5) includes companies such as construction project manager Mace (No 53), which is working on the expansion of Auckland Airport

Industry breakdown• Consumer goods (43) is the most represented industry, with

firms such as Charlotte Tilbury (No 60), which sells high-end beauty products, and online menswear retailer END. (No 68)

Consumer goods accounts for combined international sales of £3.5bn and employs 41,200 people

• TMT (39) includes IT consultancies and suppliers, such as Techbuyer (No 102) and Teneo (No 106); and media agencies like Ptarmigan Media (No 145) and MNC (No 85)

TMT accounts for combined international sales of £2.1bn and employs 11,400 people

• Business services firms (34) also perform strongly, and include outsourced office supplier The Instant Group (No 27), and recruitment consultancies such as Oliver James Associates (No 45)

Business services accounts for combined overseas sales of £2bn and employs 24,500 people

Industry breakdown

Other

Automotive

Finance

Engineering

Building

Business services

Food and drink

TMT

Consumer goods

18

7

8

13

34

14

24

39

43

Construction 5

Services 93

Retail 33

Manufacturing 82

Wholesale 58

Sector breakdown

Note: companies can operate in more than one sector




6

Regional breakdownThe region with the highest number of companies is London with 68 firms (34%), up one from last year. The next highest is the Southeast with 42 (21%), compared to 47 last year.

• 21 companies (11%) are headquartered in the Northwest, including Manchester-based components supplier Arlington Industries Group (No 27)

• 20 (10%) are based in the Northeast, including Northumberland drinks manufacturer Fentimans (No 174); this region has also seen the biggest increase, up from eight companies in 2018

• 16 companies (8%) are located in the Midlands, including Stafford-based cashback website TopCashback (No 141)

• 13 (7%) are based in the Southwest, including Bristol-based tour operator InsideAsia Tours (No 150)

The regions with the lowest representation are: the East of England and Scotland, with six each, followed by Wales with five; and Northern Ireland, with three.

Job creation• The 200 companies directly employ 140,000 people, a 32%

increase on last year's figure of 106,000. Typical staff numbers range between 50-1,000. Pentland Group (No 192) is the largest employer on the league table with more than 20,800 staff on the payroll

• The smallest employers are generally wholesalers, such as Cheltenham-based wine supplier Off-Piste Wines (No 94), which has 21 staff. 19 of the companies on the league table employ fewer than 50 people

• The league table companies have increased total staff numbers by 38,000 over the past two years. Online retailer The Hut Group (No 63) is among the companies that have created new jobs, adding almost 1,500 employees to its payroll last year, partly as a result of acquisitions.

Foundation dates• The International Track 200 companies are of very diverse

ages, with a typical foundation date of 1996. Seven companies were established pre-1900

• The company with the oldest foundation date is jewellery and watch retailer The Watches of Switzerland Group (No 18). It can trace its origins back to 1778 when Goldsmiths, which forms part of the group, opened its first shop

• 13 companies were set up after 2010, including footwear accessories developer Crep Protect (No 9), which was set up by three brothers in 2012 and now has exports of £20.2m

Regional breakdown of headquarters

Southwest

Wales

N. Ireland

Scotland

Northwest

Northeast

East

Midlands

Southeast

London32

6

5

11

5

11

3

2

22

3

68

19

100-249

50-99

<50

35250-499

1,000-1,999

500-999

Number of employees

Number of companies in each staff range

15>=2,000

10

24

29




Ownership• Almost half of the companies (99) are majority-owned by

an entrepreneur and/or founders, such as Reading-based technology distributor Westcoast (No 82), which is entirely owned by founder and chairman Joe Hemani

• 45 companies are majority-owned by private equity firms, compared to 37 last year. These include orthopaedic parts maker Corin Orthopaedics (No 118), which sold a majority stake to Permira in June last year for an undisclosed sum

• 28 companies are family-owned, i.e. they remain owned by the founder's offspring or other relatives. An example is motorsports retailer Demon Tweeks (No 78) which was founded in 1971 by the father of current managing director, Jon Minshaw

• Management owns a majority stake in 24 companies, including school uniform supplier Trutex (No 160), whose management team bought the business from private equity firm Endless in 2014

External capitalMore than one-third of companies (73) have secured equity investment from private equity, business angels or corporations, a 22% increase on last year's figure (60).

• In addition to the 45 companies majority-owned by private equity firms, a further 18 have received minority investment from private equity. Among these is waste management provider Recycling Lives (No 125), which secured £50m from Three Hills Capital Partners in 2018

• Business angels have made equity investments in five companies, including hair removal technology firm iPulse (No 5), which has received investment from early Betfair investor Richard Koch and BGF chairman Sir Nigel Rudd

• Five companies have also received backing from corporate investors, such as pet food manufacturer Natures Menu (No 95), which sold a non-controlling 50% stake to Spanish pet care company Affinity in 2017

School uniform supplier Trutex (No 160), founded in 1865, is owned by its management team following a 2014 buyout from private equity firm Endless

99

45PE and/or VC

Family

Management 24

Entrepreneur and/or founder

Majority ownership type


28

Business angels

Employees 1

3




8

BrexitFast Track conducted a survey during the research period (August – December 2018) asking the companies about the overall impact the Brexit vote has had on their business. This is the third time that the survey has been conducted (see below for trends).

Of the 170 respondents this year (85% response rate):

• The majority (57%, down from 62% last year) said the vote has had no, or a neutral, impact on their business

• 34%, up from 29%, said the vote has had a negative effect on their business, due to factors such as increased import costs for raw materials, difficulties hiring and retaining European staff and, above all, the uncertainty surrounding the terms of the UK's exit

• 9%, the same figure as last year, said the vote has had a positive influence on their business. For example, the weak pound has boosted exports for some manufacturers

60

40

10

50

20

70%

30

Trends over three surveys on the overall impact of Brexit on International Track 200 companies*

*In response to the question: "What overall impact has the Brexit issue had on your business?"

201920182017

Negative Neutral/no impact Positive

League table year




TEN YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL TRACK 200International Track 200 was launched 10 years ago to recognise the success of Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing international sales. Since its launch, more than 1,000 different companies have appeared on the league table.

The vital statistics of the league table companies have changed significantly over the past 10 years. Average international sales have increased from £44m to £70m, and the companies are employing more people, with the average rising from 380 to 700.

Stock market flotations17 companies have floated on the stock market. Examples include (in league table appearance order):

• Fever-Tree, the mixer drinks manufacturer, featured in 2011 with international sales of just £4m; it floated in 2014, valued at £154m and is now worth £3.1bn

• Endava, the IT services provider, first featured in 2012 with overseas sales of £4m; it floated on the NYSE in 2018 with a valuation of $220m and is now valued at $1.2bn

• Markit, the financial website operator, featured in 2013 with overseas sales of £251m, floated on Nasdaq in 2014, valued at $4bn and completed a $13bn merger with IHS in 2016

• Merlin Entertainments, the visitor attraction operator, featured in 2013 with international sales of £649m; it floated in 2013 valued at £3bn and is now worth £3.4bn

• Joules, the lifestyle retailer, featured in 2015 with international sales of £7m; it floated in 2016, valued at £140m and is now worth £227m

• Aston Martin, the sports car maker, featured in 2018 with international sales of £683m; it floated in the same year valued at £4bn, and is now valued at £2.7bn

AcquisitionsMore than 140 International Track 200 companies have been acquired, including:

• Office, the shoe retailer, featured in 2015 with international sales of £14m; bought by South African retailer Truworths for £256m that year

• ghd, the hair products supplier, featured in 2012 with exports of £86m; acquired by Coty in 2016 for £420m

• Skyscanner, the travel search engine, first featured in 2013 with overseas sales of £21m; acquired by China’s Ctrip for £1.4bn in 2016

Aston Martin featured on the 2018 league table with international sales of £683m; it floated in the same year, and is now valued at £2.7bn

How the International Track 200 has changed

Averageint'l sales

Average staff

2010

£44m

380

£28m

£70m

700

£81m

2019

Top company

Int'l sales

Average figures for companies with turnover above £25m, as the 2010 league also included firms below £25m turnover




10

The first International Track Companies that appeared in the first International Track league table in 2010* include:

• Cath Kidston the lifestyle retailer, debuted with overseas sales of £5.6m and has featured five more times; it was acquired by Baring Private Equity Asia in 2016 for an undisclosed sum, and international sales hit £39.4m in 2018

• Beggars Group the music producer, featured with overseas sales of £19.2m, and acquired the Radiohead catalogue in 2016; it now has 22 offices worldwide and generated international sales of £28.9m in 2017

• Lush the cosmetics retailer, featured with international sales of £150.8m; it posted overseas sales of £300.3m in 2017, with more than 900 stores across 49 countries

• Zaha Hadid, the architect, debuted with overseas sales of £24.5m and has featured three more times; founder Dame Zaha Hadid passed away in 2016 and the company continues her work with projects across six continents

FailuresFewer than 10% of International Track companies have gone bust.

Companies that have failed include Berwin & Berwin, the menswear firm which featured in 2013 and 2016, becoming one of Europe’s largest suit makers before being saved from administration by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill last year; IT services provider 2e2, which had £404m sales in 2011 before going bust in 2013; and Gaucho, the Argentinian steak house chain which collapsed during the casual dining crunch of 2018.

Sector changesCompanies in the oil and gas sector featured strongly on the first International Track, accounting for 17% of the league table. They included the No 1 company, Aberdeen-based Global Energy Group.

Engineering was also well-represented (18%), but only 7% supplied consumer goods.

In contrast, consumer goods is the top sector in 2019, accounting for 22% of the league table. Ecommerce has driven overseas growth for many, including the No 1 company, Gymshark.

Energy services provider Global Energy Group was the top company on the first International Track league table with overseas sales of £27.8m

* International Track ranked 100 companies in 2010 and 2011, increasing to 200 companies from 2012 onwards




International Track 200 alumni

First featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £46m; acquired by General Atlantic in

2016, valuing it at almost £1bn

Featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £15m; floated in 2014 valued at £309m

and now worth £846m

First featured in 2014 with int’l sales of £26m; bought by Brown-Forman for

£285m in 2016

Featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £100m; acquired by Permira for

£300m in 2014

Featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £7m; floated on AIM in 2016 valued at £140m,

and now worth more than £227m

First featured in 2011 with int’l sales of £8m; total sales rose to £70m in 2018,

with 70% generated overseas

First featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £4m; it floated on the NYSE last year

valued at $220m and is now worth $1.2bn

Featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £331m; acquired by LabCorp for

$1.2bn in 2017

First featured in 2010 with int’l sales of £6m; acquired by Baring Private Equity

Asia in 2016 for an undisclosed sum

Featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £40m; bought by Chinese group CIH in

2016, valuing it at £150m

Featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £86m; acquired by Coty in 2016

for £420m

Featured in 2011 with int’l sales of £4m; floated on AIM in 2014 valued at £154m,

and now worth more than £3.1bn

Featured in 2018 with int'l sales of £683m, and floated in the same year

valued at £4bn, and now worth £2.7bn

First featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £108m; overseas sales rose to £224m in

2017 on total sales of £347m

First featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £36m; has appeared a further four times, and now has exports of £130m




12

First featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £21m; acquired by China’s Ctrip for

£1.4bn in 2016

Featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £14m; bought by South African retailer

Truworths for £256m that year

Featured in 2014 with int’l sales of £164m; sold to Verisk Analytics for

£1.85bn in 2015

First featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £263m; now has 286 sites across 10 countries, with

total sales of £790m in 2017

Featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £287m; Brait acquired an 80% stake for

£682m in 2015

Featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £649m; floated in the same year valued

at £3bn and is now worth £3.4bn

First featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £5m; acquired by KP Snacks in May 2018

for an undisclosed sum

First featured in 2017 with int’l sales of £15m; floated the following year valued

at £145m and is now worth £149m

First featured in 2012 with int’l sales of £593m; generated total sales of £2.6bn

in 2018 and employs 32,500

Featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £251m; floated on Nasdaq in 2014, and completed

a $13bn merger with IHS in 2016

Featured in 2010 with int’l sales of £151m; group sales rose to

£498m in 2017

Featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £42m; acquired by Priceline

for $550m in 2017

International Track 200 alumni

First featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £8m; made total sales of £205m in 2018 after

opening its first US stores

First featured in 2013 with int’l sales of £131m; now has more than 10 luxury hotels,

generating total sales of £206m in 2018

First featured in 2015 with int’l sales of £22m; now has more than global 180

stores, generating exports of £46m in 2018




17

114

187

Founded in 1989 by managing director Norman Dawood, VSI translates, dubs and provides subtitles for films and television series, working for clients such as the BBC, Nickelodeon and other major streaming platforms. It has 22 studios worldwide, with locations including Los Angeles, Paris and Berlin, and works in more than 50 languages.

This Scottish company helps build wind turbines in Europe, Australia and Morocco. It has installed more than 6,200 turbines for wind energy specialists such as Siemens, Vestas and Nordex. Projects include turbine work for a $380m wind farm in Queensland, Australia, and Scotland's largest offshore wind development. Managing director Hugh McNally, 53, plans to expand in Scandinavia and Australia this year.

Chief executive Mark Johnstone, 51, leads this Oxfordshire-based safety gear manufacturer, founded by his father Clive, 76, in 1964. It designs and makes helmets, respirators, goggles and other safety products from bases in the UK, China, Germany, America and the UAE. It is setting up local bases across Europe, including in Spain, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

CAGR§ 122%Int'l sales 2017 £32.4mInt'l sales 2015 £6.6mTotal sales 2017 £45mStaff 133Founded 1989Location Central London

CAGR§ 35%Int'l sales 2018 £28.9mInt'l sales 2016 £15.9m †Total sales 2018 £58.1mStaff 305Founded 1964Location Oxfordshire

CAGR§ 55%Int'l sales 2017 £34.1mInt'l sales 2015 £14.3mTotal sales 2017 £47.4mStaff 306Founded 2005Location Scotland

VSI Group Language services provider

Windhoist Wind turbine contractor

JSPSafety product manufacturer

Safety product manufacturer JSP (No 187) operates a fully automated manufacturing facility in Germany

Operates a fully automated manufacturing facility in Germany

European clients include Sky Deutschland and French television channel Canal+

Built the Skovengen Wind Farm, helping Denmark meet its renewable energy goals

KEY THEMES & SELECTED COMPANY PROFILESOn the following pages we profile examples of companies that demonstrate some of the key themes from this year’s league table.

Trading in EuropeThe EU is Britain’s biggest trading partner, accounting for about 44% of all British exports of goods and services. It also the top market for the International Track 200 firms, with 171 companies citing mainland Europe as a key destination for exports. Despite Brexit, it remains the top choice for future growth, with 137 companies planning European expansion and 62 identifying Germany as a key target. Examples include Transferwise (No 12), which said it will open an office in Brussels this year.

§ compound annual growth rate between 2015/16 and 2017/18 † annualised




14

18

58

186

TRADING OUTSIDE THE EU

With Brexit on the horizon, markets outside the EU are set to gain in importance for British exporters.

Almost two thirds of companies (64%) identify North America as a main market, while 37% are active in Asia (page 15 explores China in depth). A fifth (20%) are looking to the Middle East and Africa for future growth (companies targeting Africa are profiled on p16) for future growth.

Examples include Trutex (No 160), the Lancashire company which sells bespoke British-style uniforms to schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Origin (No 47), which manufactures luxury windows and doors in High Wycombe and Florida, and has a showroom in Dubai.

This Leicester jewellery group is one of the world’s largest distributors of luxury watches. It owns Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Watch Shop in the UK, and is expanding across America with the backing of private equity firm Apollo. In 2017, it bought US chain Mayors Jewelers for $105m (£78m). Chief executive Brian Duffy, 64, changed the group's name from Aurum Holdings last year in preparation for a potential IPO.

Private equity firm Trilantic backed a tertiary buyout of this talent agency last September, valuing it at about $160m. Previously called James Grant, YM&U advises music, entertainment and sports stars such as Take That, Ant & Dec and Frank Lampard. It also represents American DJs Cheat Codes and Steve Aoki, following its acquisition of Los Angeles-based music agency Deckstar in 2017. International sales reached £7.4m that year, under chief executive Neil Rodford, 49.

Chairman Jonathan Little, 54, heads this family-owned holding company, which includes Gardners Books, one of Britain’s largest independent wholesalers of books, music and DVDs. It also owns Lasgo, which exports CDs and vinyl records to more than 50 countries. The group's international sales hit £151.9m in 2018, boosted by growth in its US operations, the global appetite for English-language books, and vinyl's resurgent popularity worldwide.

Watches of Switzerland Group Jewellery and watch retailer

YM&UTalent agency

The Little GroupMedia wholesaler

Watches of Switzerland (No 18) chief executive Brian Duffy opened its flagship store in New York last year

Its US subsidiary stocks more than 250,000 music, book and film titles

Opened its flagship US store in New York in November

Forecasting strong growth from its Los Angeles-based music talent agency

CAGR§ 120%Int'l sales 2018 £133mInt'l sales 2016 £27.4mTotal sales 2018 £685.2m Staff 2,015Founded 1778Location Leicester

CAGR§ 35%Int'l sales 2018 £151.9mInt'l sales 2016 £83.5mTotal sales 2018 £338.1m Staff 1,218Founded 1996Location Eastbourne

CAGR§ 76%Int'l sales 2017 £7.4mInt'l sales 2015 £2.4m†Total sales 2017 £27.8m Staff 208Founded 1984Location Central London

§ compound annual growth rate between 2015/16 and 2017/18




73

153

184

FOCUS: China

A survey by HSBC of 1,205 companies across 11 key economies found only 10% of UK exporters saw China as a top three future export market, compared to 15% globally. In contrast, around a third (63) of International Track 200 companies plan to expand there, with 44 already citing it as a major market.

Examples of companies trading in the country include Mountain Warehouse (No 74), which launched its Chinese ecommerce site in 2015; and Karro Food Group (No 126), which exports pig's trotters, considered a delicacy in China.

This company manages more than £95m of fine wine investments for 2,000 clients in 71 countries, providing online tools and guides to help collectors track the value of their investments. It was set up in 2007 by former investment banker Phil Gearing, 61, and son Tom, 31, who was a runner-up on the TV show The Apprentice. It opened its first overseas office in Hong Kong in 2016, followed by Shanghai and Singapore. Investment grade fine wines can be bought on their website in seven currencies.

Monica Vinader, 50, launched her eponymous jewellery brand in 2007. Celebrity fans include the Duchess of Cambridge, actress Emma Watson, and England football manager Gareth Southgate, who wore one of its bracelets at the 2018 World Cup. In 2016, Piper Private Equity and Winona Capital invested £20m to fuel expansion in the US. The Norfolk company has 20 boutiques in North America and Asia, while its website ships to more than 70 countries. Overseas sales hit £20.3m in 2018.

This Staffordshire business is Britain's largest private provider of childcare services, running 359 UK nurseries and 550 sites in total, caring for more than 50,000 children across the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, China and Australia. In 2017, it acquired Canadian nursery group BrightPath for £93m, and, last year, it announced plans to open 32 nurseries in China over the next five years. Chief executive Simon Irons, 56, heads the group.

Cult WinesWine merchant

Monica Vinader Jewellery designer

Busy BeesNurseries operator

Co-founder Tom Gearing of Cult Wines (No 73), whose top overseas markets are Hong Kong and China

Theresa May highlighted its success in China during a recent trade mission

Has strengthened Chinese presence with offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong

Actress Liu Shishi wore its jewellery on the cover of Elle China magazine

CAGR§ 68%Int'l sales 2018 £27.7m*Int'l sales 2016 £9.7mTotal sales 2018 £52.2m* Staff 39Founded 2007Location West London

CAGR§ 35%Int'l sales 2017 £94.9mInt'l sales 2015 £51.7mTotal sales 2017 £327.5m Staff 9,979Founded 1983Location Staffordshire

CAGR§ 45%Int'l sales 2018 £20.3mInt'l sales 2016 £9.7mTotal sales 2018 £42.8m Staff 212Founded 2007Location Norfolk





16

44

46

53

FOCUS: Africa

British exporters are consolidating trading partnerships across Africa, with 14 league table companies regarding the continent as a main market, such as digital marketing agency Jellyfish (No 109), which has three offices in South Africa.

Other examples include commodities trader Gapuma (No 146), which has five offices across Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda; Beta Pharmaceuticals (No 142), which distributes prescription drugs across East Africa; and Eaton Towers (No 86) – the only mobile phone tower company in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Household goods exported by this London-based wholesaler include kitchenware, DIY tools and toiletries. Founded in 1978, it is run by the second generation of the Shipton family – cousins Mark, 45, and Daren, 50 – who made the strategic decision to expand into Nigeria and Ghana 10 years ago having developed connections there through their UK partnerships.

Integrity Print was formed in 2008 when managing director Mark Cornford, 53, led a £12.8m buyout from printing company Communisis. The Somerset-based group runs a security printing business in Birmingham, and produces packaging and labelling for retailers and pharmaceutical firms. Africa is a major overseas market, and projects include printing prescription pads in Ghana and exam certificates in Botswana.

Founded in 1990 and led by chief executive Mark Reynolds, 55, Mace provides consultancy and management services for construction projects in more than 70 countries. Works include the redevelopment of the Victoria and Albert Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and fitting out Microsoft’s head offices in Kenya and Nigeria. In 2017, overseas sales represented a third of its £2bn turnover.

EFG HousewaresHousehold goods wholesaler

Integrity PrintPrinter

MaceConstruction project manager

Integrity Print (No 46), run by managing director Mark Cornford, prints documents for Botswana, Ghana and Zambia

Invested in a joint venture, MaceYMR, in Kenya to target the East African market

Its own brand sparkling juice has proved popular in West Africa

Has contracts to print teacher licences for Zambia and cheques for Liberia

CAGR§ 84%Int'l sales 2017 £17.9mInt'l sales 2015 £5.3mTotal sales 2017 £32.5mStaff 82Founded 1978Location North London

CAGR§ 79%Int'l sales 2017 £665mInt'l sales 2015 £208.4mTotal sales 2017 £2bn Staff 4,741Founded 1990Location Central London

CAGR§ 83%Int'l sales 2017 £2.6mInt'l sales 2015 £0.8mTotal sales 2017 £48.6m Staff 370Founded 2008Location Somerset

§ compound annual growth rate between 2015/16 and 2017/18




15

35

80

Ecommerce

Excelling at online commerce has transformed the prospects of an increasing number of British companies, helping them attract overseas customers. Featuring on the 2019 league table are 34 ecommerce goods exporters that generate at least 10% of their international sales online.

This is similar to the 2018 league table (35 firms), and a 36% increase on 2017 (25 firms). Examples include Revolution Beauty (No 34), which sold 61m products online and through retailers last year, and iPulse (No 5), which sells its patented hair removal devices through 15 international websites.

Launched in 1992 by Ian Whittingham, 47, and Jason Turner, 47, this cycle and triathlon gear retailer trades mostly online. It sold a 50% stake to sportswear firm Bradshaw Taylor in 2009 and opened a 30,000 sq ft distribution warehouse in Lincolnshire in 2018. It stocks the Le Col range from Sir Bradley Wiggins, and saw its 2018 sales boosted by new brand ambassador Matt Stephens, the former national road cycling champion.

This company’s smartcards give tourists access to attractions ranging from dolphin encounters in Hawaii to historical tours of Rome and the Vatican City. It also builds software for tourist boards to manage their own smartcard systems. In 2016, private equity firm Exponent bought the business for an undisclosed sum, and the following year, it merged its US portfolio company Smart Destinations and acquired the New York Pass.

Superfood powders, nut butters and whey proteins are among the health and performance products made by Bulk Powders. Fitness enthusiasts Elliot Dawes, 36 and Adam Rossiter, 35, started the Colchester firm in 2006, and they now export more than 1,000 food supplements to Europe, with expansion to the increasingly health-aware US and Chinese markets on the horizon.

Sigma SportsSports goods retailer

Leisure Pass Group Tourism smartcard provider

BULK POWDERSSports nutrition brand

Boxer Anthony Joshua is a brand ambassador for sports nutrition brand Bulk Powders (No 80), which has 12 online stores

Sells more than 1,000 products via 12 online stores and marketplaces such as Amazon

Sells 70% of its cycling and triathlon accessories online

100% of its tourist smartcards for city attractions are sold online

CAGR§ 131%Int'l sales 2018 £4.5m*Int'l sales 2016 £0.8mTotal sales 2018 £26m* Staff 79Founded 1992Location Kingston upon Thames

CAGR§ 66%Int'l sales 2017 £15.5mInt'l sales 2015 £5.6mTotal sales 2017 £32.2m Staff 119Founded 2006Location Colchester

CAGR§ 92%Int'l sales 2017 £207.9m†Int'l sales 2015 £56.7mTotal sales 2017 £225.8m† Staff 105Founded 1998Location Central London

§ compound annual growth rate between 2015/16 and 2017/18 * supplied by company † annualised




18

37

124

139

Product innovation

Bringing innovative products, many developed in-house, to market has helped many of the companies on this year’s league table break into overseas markets. 70 companies attribute their international sales growth to investment in new products and R&D. These range from businesses developing healthcare products, such antimicrobial wipes from Gama (No 84); to those with automotive expertise, such as Envisage (No 81), which is pioneering electric vehicle technology in the US.

More than 500 sports bodies, such as the NCAA and NBA, in 100 countries use this company to collect and commercialise live sports data. It also identifies betting fraud for organisations like the Premier League and the PGA Tour, while supplying in-game betting software to bookmakers and lotteries. In 2018, private equity firm Apax bought a majority stake to fund overseas growth and capitalise on the liberalisation of sports betting in countries such as the US and Brazil. Mark Locke, 39, is chief executive.

Microlise develops tracking systems that help HGV operators maximise fleet efficiency, increase safety standards and reduce environmental impact. The Nottingham-based company works with vehicle manufacturers, such as DAF and MAN, and fleet operators, such as DHL and Eddie Stobart, in Europe. In 2018 the company opened a new French office to help it expand across the continent. Chief executive Nadeem Raza, 51, heads the group.

If cancer patients move during radiotherapy treatment, Vision RT’s 3D imaging systems automatically pause the beam, helping to prevent damage to surrounding organs and tissues. Norman Smith, 49, and Ivan Meir, 48, founded the firm in an attic in 2001, and it now has more than 1,000 installations worldwide. It has witnessed strong growth in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Genius Sports GroupBetting data services provider

Microlise Vehicle tracking developer

Vision RTMedical technology developer

Microlise (No 124) develops tracking systems that help HGV operators maximise fleet efficiency and increase safety standards

Wireless tech provides feedback to patients on their breathing during radiotherapy

Helps bookmakers launch personalised ad campaigns online

Tracking technology helps customers reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel costs

CAGR§ 89%Int'l sales 2017 £46.9mInt'l sales 2015 £13.1mTotal sales 2017 £53.1m Staff 669Founded 2000Location Central London

CAGR§ 47%Int'l sales 2017 £21.3mInt'l sales 2015 £9.8mTotal sales 2017 £32.5m Staff 132Founded 2001Location North London

CAGR§ 51%Int'l sales 2018 £9.8m*Int'l sales 2016 £4.3mTotal sales 2018 £50.1m* Staff 477Founded 1982Location Nottingham





51

63

79

Expansion through technology

More than a third (36%) of companies who responded to a Fast Track survey said they plan to upgrade their business software as they expand their international presence, with others answering that they have already done so.

Examples include Fentimans (No 174), the botanical brewer which installed Oracle NetSuite three years ago in preparation for overseas expansion and saw exports increase from £3.8m in 2014 to £11.3m in 2017; and payment provider WorldFirst (No 179), which has invested in nine international websites and a B2B platform.

Engineer and Niftylift chairman Roger Bowden, 71, founded this company in a garden shed in 1985. The Milton Keynes business designs and makes mobile hydraulic platforms, such as cherry pickers and access lifts, which it sells throughout Europe, the US, the Middle East and Far East, Australia and South Africa. Under managing director John Keely, 58, it has invested in customer relationship management software and can provide instant support to a dealer network in more than 70 countries.

THG sells premium health and beauty goods via more than 165 websites such as Myprotein and Lookfantastic, powered by its proprietary technology. In 2017, the group spent £164m on acquisitions, including Berlin-based beauty subscription service GLOSSYBOX, and spa brand ESPA. In October 2018, it opened an 800,000 sq ft production and logistics centre in Poland. The Manchester company is led by founder Matt Moulding, 46, and backed by investors including KKR, and valued at $3.25bn.

Husband-and-wife team Tom and Ruth Chapman, 55 and 57, began with a single boutique in Wimbledon, southwest London, in 1987. The retailer now sells more than 450 luxury fashion brands online and in six physical locations. French and Korean language websites were launched in 2017 and the company has attributed its international sales growth to investment in its shopping app, fuelling mobile transactions. Private equity firm Apax Partners bought a majority stake in 2017, valuing the group — led by chief executive Ulric Jerome, 40 — at a reported £800m.

NiftyliftLift manufacturer

The Hut Group Online retailer

Matchesfashion.comLuxury fashion retailer

Matchesfashion.com (No 79) chief executive Ulric Jerome has invested in its shopping app, which has fuelled mobile transactions

Uses geo-targeting to tailor website content to local markets

Says digital marketing has given it a virtual presence in markets around the world

More than 500m people visit its ecommerce websites each year

CAGR§ 80%Int'l sales 2017 £83.2mInt'l sales 2015 £25.7mTotal sales 2017 £107.2m Staff 481Founded 1985Location Milton Keynes


CAGR§ 75%Int'l sales 2017 £512.6mInt'l sales 2015 £167.2mTotal sales 2017 £735.7m Staff 3,222Founded 2004Location Manchester





20

38

88

192

Growth by acquisition

Acquisition can be a time-efficient way to access new markets and gain economies of scale.

Fifty-seven firms have bought or partnered with businesses to expand internationally, a similar number to the 2018 table (60 firms), and up 24% on 2017 (46 firms). Examples include Oxford Economics (No 93), which acquired Australian analytics firm BIS Shrapnel in 2017, and John Cotton Group (No 91) – which makes 20m pillows a year and acquired Australian duvet maker Tontine for £7.8m in 2017.

This company provides IT, communications and cybersecurity services to more than 6,500 businesses, such as Banco de Portugal and Canal+. Founded in 1996 by Charles Nasser, 49, it has expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, including last year's purchases of Italian cloud specialist Xpeppers, Dutch IT firm Quinfox, and security specialist NotSoSecure Global Services, which has operations in the UK, US and India. As of 2018, Claranet had 24 offices and 43 data centres worldwide.

Chief executive Mark Cornell, 52, runs the world’s largest live-theatre group, with 50 venues across Britain, Germany, and the US – where it acquired ACE Theatrical Group in 2015. Its iconic West End and Broadway theatres are home to box office hits such as The Lion King. It also produces shows and runs a ticketing division, which sells 12m tickets a year for 11,000 performances.

Speedo, Mitre and Berghaus are among the famous clothing and sports brands managed by this business. Founded in 1932 as The Liverpool Shoe Company, it has been run by three generations of the Rubin family, with Stephen Rubin, 81, the current chairman. Pentland is active in 190 countries and owns a majority stake in JD Sports, which acquired US retailer Finish Line in a $558m deal last year.

ClaranetIT services provider

Ambassador Theatre GroupTheatre operator

Pentland GroupBrand manager and retailer

Ambassador Theatre Group (No 88), whose shows include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bought Broadway's biggest theatre in 2013

Acquired theatre group Mehr Entertainment in Germany last year

Acquired Californian footwear brand SeaVees in 2017

Its French subsidiary – Claranet France – made three acquisitions in three months in 2015

CAGR§ 62%Int'l sales 2018 £155.8m†Int'l sales 2016 £59.2mTotal sales 2018 £360.6m †Staff 4,399Founded 1992Location Surrey

CAGR§ 32%Int'l sales 2017 £1.4bnInt'l sales 2015 £806.7mTotal sales 2017 £3.6bn Staff 20,865Founded 1932Location North London

CAGR§ 89%Int'l sales 2018 £207.9mInt'l sales 2016 £58.4mTotal sales 2018 £321.6m Staff 1,841Founded 1996Location Central London

§ compound annual growth rate between 2015/16 and 2017/18 † annualised




60

87

182

Female founders & leaders

34 companies on this year's league table were founded or co-founded by a woman (24 firms) or have a woman as chief executive, managing director, or chairperson.

Examples include Mint Velvet (No 103) – co-founded by chief executive Liz Houghton – and Cult Beauty (No 2) – co-founded by Alexia Inge and Jessica DeLuca. Laura Tennison MBE is founder and managing director of JoJo Maman Bebe (No 135), while Monica Vinader is chief executive of her eponymous jewellery brand (No 153).

Make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, 46, launched her eponymous cosmetics line in 2013, having worked in the beauty industry for more than 25 years. The brand, whose celebrity fans include Nicole Kidman and Kate Moss, runs seven ecommerce sites that ship to 67 markets and has opened stores in London and the Middle East. Under chief executive Demetra Pinsent, it also sells through retailers, such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Sephora in North America, and KaDeWe Group in Europe.

Co-founded in 2005 by Jenny Biggam, 52, this firm takes its name from a London pub. It plans and buys advertising across media channels in Europe and America for clients including gaming firm Supercell, responsible for mobile phone games such as Clash of Clans. It is also a member of a network of media buyers that shares work across Europe.

Chief executive Michele Harriman-Smith, 66, has transformed the clothes shop founded by her mother, Sybil, in 1952 into a global online retailer of designer children’s clothes. Websites in seven languages sell clothing from 280 brands, including Armani, Burberry and Gucci, to customers in 160 countries. The company is headquartered near its original site in Tunbridge Wells, but generated 85% of sales abroad in 2017.

Charlotte TilburyBeauty products retailer

the7starsMedia agency

ChildrensalonChildrenswear retailer

Michele Harriman-Smith leads Childrensalon (No 182). Founded by her mother in 1952, it sells designer children's clothes to 160 countries

Michele Harriman-Smith leads the company founded by her mother

Celebrity make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury launched the company in 2013

Managing director Jenny Biggam quit her job to set up the company in 2005

CAGR§ 75%Int'l sales 2017 £43.7mInt'l sales 2015 £14.2mTotal sales 2017 £100.7m Staff 772Founded 2013Location West London

CAGR§ 36%Int'l sales 2017 £66.8mInt'l sales 2015 £36.1mTotal sales 2017 £78.9m Staff 296Founded 1952Location Tunbridge Wells






22

1

75

168

Brand Britain

Fashion firms feature strongly among the British brands with a reputation extending beyond the UK’s shores.

Among them are Mountain Warehouse (No 74), which sells outdoor gear in stores across Europe and North America, and Seasalt (No 178), which sells Cornish-inspired clothing online to 138 countries. British food and beverage companies with brand status include Ahmad Tea (No 156), which has used its British heritage to become a household name in the Middle East and Russia, and Grenade (No 90) – the sports nutrition brand whose shakes and bars are consumed by athletes in 100+ countries.

Ben Francis, 26, started this fitness clothing brand in 2012. Since then its range of fitness apparel has gone global, under the leadership of chief executive Steve Hewitt, 45, who joined in 2015. It has focused on creating an aspirational brand, building a community of customers through social media and sponsorship of popular YouTubers and Instagram stars. In 2018, sales hit £103.2m, 78% of which were to overseas customers in 177 countries.

Known for its distinctive Scottie dog logo, Radley ships its handbags and purses to 48 countries. In 2016, private equity firm Bregal Freshstream bought the brand for an undisclosed sum to fuel overseas growth. In 2017, Radley launched in the US with shopping channel QVC and department store Macy's. Chief executive Justin Stead, 51, plans to expand the business in China, where it sells on ecommerce site Tmall.

Founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, both 36, this Scottish brewer has opened more than 70 bars in locations as far afield as Brazil and Japan, as well as a brewery in Ohio, America, where it also has a DogHouse hotel. BrewDog was valued at £1bn in 2017 when it sold a 22% stake to US private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners for £213m, and it has since raised another £26m from crowdfunding.

GymsharkOnline sportswear retailer

Radley + CoHandbag and accessories brand

BrewDogBrewery

Radley + Co (No 75) sells its range of handbags and accessories, with the distinctive Scottie dog logo, in 48 countries

Smart marketing has transformed punk beer brand into mainstream giant valued at £1bn

Has a combined audience of 80m followers on social media

Its distinctive Radley dog logo has become an icon among global fans

CAGR§ 228%Int'l sales 2018 £81m*Int'l sales 2016 £7.5mTotal sales 2018 £103.2m* Staff 260Founded 2012Location Solihull

CAGR§ 38%Int'l sales 2017 £21.6mInt'l sales 2015 £11.3mTotal sales 2017 £111.6m Staff 777Founded 2007Location Aberdeenshire






2019 INTERNATIONAL TRACK 200 LEAGUE TABLE

* supplied by company † annualised

1[16]

GymsharkFitness clothing retailer

Solihull Jul 18 228.06% *80,958 *103,232 260 2012 Queues for its Paris, LA and Toronto pop-up shops stretched around street corners

2[3]

Cult BeautyOnline beauty retailer

Central London May 18 206.58% *35,337 *69,685 108 2008 Sells cult and up-and-coming beauty brands from around the world

3[6]

White LightEntertainment production supplier

Southwest London Mar 18 198.42% 12,613 39,311 226 1971 Designed Discovery Eurosport's TV studios for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea

4[10]

MiQ Digital marketing agency Central London Dec 17 174.74% 121,871 155,876 410 2010 Operates globally from 15 offices in North

America, Europe and Asia Pacific

5[8]

iPulseHair removal technology

Swansea Dec 17 167.26% 30,945 32,874 39 2002 Exports to more than 30 countries accounted for 94% of turnover in 2017

6Saville GroupAudiovisual equipment supplier

York Dec 17 166.04% 3,993 42,145 257 1876 Installs video conferencing technology in overseas offices of UK-based clients

7High Street TVTV shopping channel

Harrogate Dec 18 164.72% *16,279 *66,899 115 2008 Sells household goods and gifts to more than 80 countries

8 [9]

Carrs Foods Bakery products provider Manchester Dec 17 158.73% 18,991 49,430 23 1986 Supplies European bakery products to

more than 10,000 stores around the world

9Crep ProtectFootwear accessories developer

West London Feb 18 151.80% 20,192 27,001 25 2012 Has collaborated with the National Basketball Association in the US

10[14]

Opus Talent SolutionsRecruitment consultancy

Bristol Dec 17 151.64% 26,101 75,951 239 2008 Its international clients include Uber, Burberry and General Electric

11[12]

AerFinAircraft and spares services

Caerphilly Dec 17 146.81% 58,589 70,221 87 2010 Founder was awarded an OBE last year for services to exports in the aerospace industry

12TransferWiseCurrency transfer provider

East London Mar 18 141.64% 83,500 117,283 835 2010 Has more than 4m customers collectively transferring £3bn each month

13[15]

The&PartnershipAdvertising agency

Central London Dec 17 134.45% 187,891 449,586 513 2013 Created a European network to handle Toyota Europe’s account

14[7]

SaltRecruitment consultancy

Central London Dec 17 133.19% 10,881 39,006 116 2009 Operates in eight locations and has been expanding into Asia and Australasia

15Sigma SportsSports goods retailer

Kingston upon Thames May 18 130.62% 4,515 26,046 88 1992 Exports cycling gear to the EU and other markets

including Japan, South Korea and the US

16John GoodLogistics services provider

Hull Dec 17 125.22% 12,970 63,351 304 1833 Operates from 16 locations in the UK and offices in Istanbul and Izmir in Turkey

17[55]

VSI GroupLanguage services provider

Central London Dec 17 121.69% 32,444 45,026 133 1989 Localises more than 200,000 hours of programming into over 50 languages each year

18[77]

The Watches of Switzerland GroupJewellery and watch retailer

Leicester Apr 18 120.31% 133,000 685,184 2,015 1778 Opening a showroom in Hudson Yards, New York in Spring 2019

19DextraLED lighting manufacturer

Dorset Dec 17 117.13% 3,744 68,011 531 1978 Has provided lighting for TK Maxx stores across Europe and Tesco stores in Ireland

20Sigma Retail SolutionsRetail services provider

West Yorkshire Dec 17 116.01% 7,477 46,098 225 2007 Delivers more than 6,000 retail projects every year globally

21iwocaBusiness finance provider

Central London Dec 17 115.77% 2,840 25,020 176 2012 Has provided funding to more than 21,500 small businesses in Europe since 2012

22[17]

Jupiter GroupFruit grower and exporter

Shropshire Sep 18 107.23% *10,975 *49,326 83 2003 Acquired South African fresh produce supplier Bonaire in November 2018

23Thumbs UpLifestyle products wholesaler

West London Dec 17 105.98% 19,088 32,311 64 2004 Supplies innovative lifestyle products to international retailers, such as Nordstrom in the US

24Project OneBusiness consultancy

Cheshire Dec 17 105.88% 3,018 30,272 111 1998 Some of its consultants spend up to three years abroad on client projects

25[4]

Ceuta GroupSales and marketing agency

Bournemouth Mar 18 103.24% 39,053 97,572 323 1994 Its 1HQ brand opened an office in Singapore last year to expand in southeast Asia

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000




24



26OguryMobile data marketing

North London Dec 17 102.88% 26,384 33,760 133 2014 Has access to data from more than 400m mobile phone users in 120 countries

27Arlington Industries GroupComponents supplier

Manchester Mar 18 102.61% *58,700 *170,557 1,078 2013 Has factories in Britain, France and Slovakia, and joint ventures in China, India and Turkey

28[87]

The Instant GroupOutsourced office supplier

Central London Jul 18 102.11% *14,800 *84,000 250 1999 Has provided more than 4 million sq ft of office space in the UK, US and EMEA

29[27]

Sahara Presentation SystemsAudiovisual equipment supplier

Kent Dec 17 98.74% 25,672 59,945 79 1924 Its interactive touchscreens are found in schools, colleges and universities in over 80 countries

30[25]

Anglia MaltingMalt producer

Norfolk Dec 17 98.58% 71,826 169,009 359 1870 Supplies malt to big beer brands such as Budweiser

31Brogan GroupScaffolding contractor

Hertfordshire Dec 17 97.69% 10,295 31,783 445 1988 Helped to construct Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, the world's 'farthest leaning man-made building'

32JDXFinancial services consultancy

Central London Mar 18 94.35% 7,894 34,505 547 2012 Has nine offices across Europe, the US and Asia Pacific

33West DesignArts and crafts supplier

Folkestone Jan 18 94.31% 3,129 28,641 184 1991 Exports its 20,000 products to 50 countries, with the US its largest market

34Revolution BeautyBeauty products retailer

Kent Dec 17 91.85% 41,828 71,788 94 2013 US TV star Khloe Kardashian praised one of the brand’s £3 highlighters

35Leisure Pass GroupTourism smartcard provider

Central London Dec 17 91.51% †207,872 †225,803 105 1998 Provides tourist passes in 37 cities worldwide, including New York and London

36[56]

Delta GroupMarketing services provider

Northeast London Dec 17 90.47% 12,233 81,025 726 1991 Its Irish subsidiary moved into a new 30,000 sq ft production space in October

37Genius Sports GroupBetting data services provider

Central London Dec 17 89.14% 46,936 53,071 669 2000 Plans to expand in America to target the liberalised US sports betting market

38[69]

ClaranetIT services provider

Central London Jun 18 88.68% 207,900 321,600 1,841 1996 Made four acquisitions in 2018, boosting operations in the UK, Holland, Italy, the US and India

39[7]

Flint InternationalIT infrastructure consultancy

Watford Dec 17 88.03% 15,815 27,065 31 1999 Has 10 offices overseas, including Saudi Arabia and Botswana

40[34]

Touch AssociatesEvent communications agency

Surrey Dec 17 86.43% 30,994 41,026 113 2012 Manages more than 300 events a year across the world

41[93]

QualtexSpare parts provider

Manchester Dec 17 85.89% 12,316 36,668 187 1961 Exports spare parts to more than 40 countries, including the US

42[1]

Lincoln & YorkCoffee manufacturer

Lincolnshire Jan 18 85.18% 11,839 39,944 106 1994 Sources beans from 40 countries and produces custom blends for its overseas markets

43[43]

Titan AirwaysAirline

Stansted Mar 18 84.00% 29,632 99,095 322 1988 One of its fleet was used to transport the FIFA World Cup trophy on a round-the-world tour

44EFG HousewaresHousehold goods wholesaler

North London Dec 17 83.94% 17,896 32,538 82 1978 Exports household goods to 90 countries worldwide, with a strong presence in West Africa

45[44]

Oliver James AssociateRecruitment consultancy

Manchester Dec 17 83.26% 42,814 91,661 285 2002 Moved into Milan's S32 skyscraper in 2017, in the heart of the city's fintech district

46Integrity PrintPrinter

Somerset Dec 17 83.00% 2,602 48,597 370 2008 Has a contract to supply Ghana with prescription pads

47[58]

OriginBifold door manufacturer

High Wycombe Dec 17 82.71% 2,628 35,062 266 2002 Supported career of British skier Joe Hides, who competed at the Winter Olympics in South Korea

48FFXTools and equipment retailer

Hythe Sep 18 81.53% *10,585 *48,752 121 2003 Marketing on Google and eBay has boosted sales to France, the Netherlands and Germany

49Total ComputersIT consultancy

Kettering Dec 17 81.39% 5,591 65,476 111 2003 Considers the Middle East as a future growth market

50[66]

City Facilities ManagementFacilities maintenance provider

Glasgow Dec 17 80.47% 378,474 821,672 11,992 1985 Opened a further US operation in Massachusetts in 2017 to target northeast America

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000






51[147]

NiftyliftLift manufacturer

Milton Keynes Dec 17 79.94% 83,247 107,173 481 1985 Exports to more than 70 countries and its website is available in four languages

52Flying Trade GroupConglomerate

Essex Dec 17 79.33% 18,695 131,565 798 1998 Its world food products cater to Asian, Caribbean, African and Polish communities

53MaceConstruction project manager

Central London Dec 17 78.64% 665,000 1,971,748 4,741 1990 Advising Peru on the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima

54SmyleCreative agency

Hertford Mar 18 78.39% 15,956 26,948 60 2003 Produced the opening ceremony of the 2018 Ryder Cup

55Whitehall ResourcesRecruitment consultancy

Colchester May 18 78.10% 13,588 55,299 87 2006 Generates a quarter of its £55m turnover from job placements overseas

56[20]

Austin FraserRecruitment consultancy

Reading Feb 18 77.07% 15,513 48,209 164 2007 Opened an office in Dallas in October, its third in the US

57SC GroupAll-terrain vehicle manufacturer

Devon Aug 17 76.39% 43,200 53,690 214 1981 Supplied 89 special operations vehicles to the Australian Army

58YM&UTalent agency

Central London Aug 17 76.36% 7,412 27,771 208 1984 Forecasting strong growth from its Los Angeles-based music talent agency

59Barron Wood DistributionTransport broker

Preston Oct 17 76.13% 6,869 64,903 139 1993 Has been providing freight logistics to continental Europe for six years

60Charlotte Tilbury BeautyBeauty products retailer

West London Dec 17 75.42% 43,674 100,653 772 2013 Opened its first international concession in 2014, and first overseas standalone store in 2017

61[73]

Capital Hair and BeautyHair products wholesaler

Brighton Dec 17 75.13% 3,644 47,677 430 1954 Runs 51 wholesale stores in the UK and Ireland

62[118]

Whitworth GroupFlour miller

Northamptonshire Mar 18 75.11% 20,832 321,679 536 1886 Exports flour to food manufacturers and bakeries in Ireland and Europe

63[45]

The Hut GroupOnline retailer

Manchester Dec 17 75.08% 512,635 735,652 3,222 2004 Opened an 800,000 sq ft production and logistics centre in Poland in October 2018

64[47]

OptalPayment services provider

Central London Dec 17 74.53% 179,872 179,872 65 2002 Offers payment processing in 34 currencies across 45 countries

65Phoenix CellularMobile phone distributor

Crewe Oct 18 74.15% *18,239 *33,225 64 2015 Sells about 40,000 used Samsung and Apple phones a month to European buyers

66BVG GroupMail order retailer

South Wales Aug 17 73.51% 9,712 114,967 924 1991 Its 285,000 sq ft Lancashire distribution centre supplies consumer goods across Europe

67Midwinter SolutionsClinical trials supplier

Burton-on-Trent Feb 18 73.49% 10,679 61,823 20 2013 Helps clients comply with strict global pharmaceutical regulations

68[62]

END.Online menswear retailer

Newcastle upon Tyne Mar 18 71.89% 70,433 101,051 316 2005 The US is its largest international market

69CCL ComputersIT hardware supplier

Bradford Aug 17 69.68% 2,390 29,720 60 1995 Sells bespoke PCs and IT parts to gamers and IT professionals, and plans to expand in North America

70Astrak GroupUndercarriage parts supplier

Fife Dec 17 68.93% 16,464 28,774 77 2003 Has eight warehouses in the UK, Denmark, Germany and France

71[81]

AVMIAudiovisual systems integrator

Surrey Jun 18 68.73% 6,326 64,159 414 1990 Helped set up audiovisual installations at Bloomberg's new European HQ

72TC GroupOffice furniture supplier

Bristol Apr 18 68.64% 2,686 32,453 127 1990 Its one piece plastic school chair is popular in Australia and Vietnam

73[39]

Cult WinesWine merchant

West London Aug 18 68.49% *27,680 *52,208 39 2007 Southeast Asia was its fastest growing region in 2018, overtaking its UK market

74[24]

Mountain WarehouseOutdoor clothing retailer

Central London Feb 18 68.46% 66,450 225,910 1,571 1997 Has 80 international stores in Europe, North America and New Zealand

75Radley + CoHandbag and accessories brand

Central London Apr 18 68.03% 17,788 85,892 565 1998 Has UK, US, German, Japanese and EU websites that ship to 48 countries

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000




26



76[59]

A-SafeSafety barrier manufacturer

Halifax Dec 17 67.57% 36,304 44,603 291 1984 Its safety barriers have been installed in more than 30 international airports

77Cofresh SnacksSnack maker

Leicester Dec 17 67.39% 3,184 29,776 131 2002 Its "free-from" Eat Real snacks are popular in Europe and the UAE

78[135]

Demon TweeksMotorsports retailer

Wrexham Dec 17 67.06% 15,128 57,698 194 1971 Ships to more than 130 countries from its warehouse in Wrexham

79[60]

Matchesfashion.comLuxury fashion retailer

Central London Jan 18 66.94% 227,812 292,791 574 1987 Opened a Heathrow distribution centre last year to increase its stock for export

80[61]

BULK POWDERSSports nutrition brand

Colchester Dec 17 66.38% 15,519 32,201 119 2006 World and Olympic heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is a brand ambassador

81Envisage GroupCar maker

Coventry Dec 17 66.20% 3,174 48,543 157 2009 Its office in San Jose, California develops electric vehicle technology

82[63]

WestcoastTechnology distributor

Reading Dec 17 65.32% 437,054 2,227,220 1,301 1984 Planning further acquisitions to drive expansion across Europe

83[75]

D R CollinSeafood supplier

Berwickshire Apr 18 64.79% 36,358 49,824 197 1952 Supplies fresh fish and live shellfish to Spain, Italy and France

84[99]

Gama HealthcareAntimicrobial product distributor

Watford Mar 18 64.12% 10,193 32,461 109 2005 Distributes its infection prevention products to more than 60 countries

85[49]

MNCMedia agency

Central London Dec 17 64.06% 18,308 74,875 18 1997 Buys advertising in the UK for European brands such as Shpock

86Eaton TowersTelecoms towers owner

Central London Dec 17 63.59% 164,838 164,838 193 2008 Says it is the only telecoms tower company in Niger and Burkina Faso

87[108]

the7starsMedia agency

Central London Mar 18 62.76% 90,513 297,552 173 2005 Recent wins include the £10m account for The Lord of the Rings film distributor EFD

88Ambassador Theatre GroupTheatre operator

Surrey Mar 18 62.19% †155,766 †360,578 4,399 1992 Operates nearly 50 theatres across Britain, America and Germany

89[96]

Mark Allen GroupPublisher and events organiser

South London Mar 18 62.16% 8,243 43,383 324 1985 Publishes more than 70 titles and runs 200 events across four continents

90GrenadeSports nutrition brand

Solihull Dec 17 62.12% *11,450 *33,820 33 2009 Its protein bars and weight loss supplements are sold in more than 100 countries

91[181]

John Cotton GroupBedding manufacturer

West Yorkshire Feb 18 61.01% 59,961 208,663 1,419 1916 Employs 90 people at the Melbourne office of its Australian subsidiary, Tontine

92[65]

mac-groupConstruction and fit-out

County Down Dec 17 60.89% 94,724 94,724 83 2002 Works for global firms seeking modern offices in Dublin

93Oxford EconomicsEconomic research consultancy

Oxford Jul 17 60.09% 9,361 29,384 244 1981 Has 250 economists dispersed across the globe from Mexico City to Tokyo

94Off-Piste WinesWine wholesaler

Cheltenham Jan 18 59.80% 1,887 34,812 21 2006 Stockists include Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Scandinavian retailer Alko

95[105]

Natures MenuPet food manufacturer

Norfolk Dec 17 59.48% †2,886 †33,417 212 1981 Exports to 26 countries, including Germany, where it owns a subsidiary

96Third BridgeResearch services provider

Central London Dec 17 59.06% 53,456 71,461 589 2007 Named after a bridge in Botswana, the last before you reach uncharted territory

97[116]

Jones Knowles RitchieBrand design agency

Central London Dec 17 58.05% 21,036 35,530 257 1990 Rebranded US coffee and baked goods chain Dunkin' Donuts by dropping Donuts from the name

98[37]

Kerridge Commercial SystemsSoftware provider

Berkshire Sep 18 57.97% *30,500 *66,800 850 1976 Supports 15,000 customers at 18,000 locations worldwide

99The Gap PartnershipBusiness consultancy

Hertfordshire Feb 18 57.70% 35,412 43,659 195 1997 Delivers negotiation training and consulting services to clients in more than 50 countries

100[40]

AC GroupConstruction services

Bedfordshire Mar 18 57.64% 23,773 50,129 75 1987 Partners with international firms such as Mace and WeWork in Europe

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000






101Wireless LogicTechnology platform provider

Berkshire Apr 18 57.57% 9,257 55,268 132 2000 Has more than 2,500 customers in the UK and overseas

102TechbuyerIT hardware supplier

Harrogate Sep 18 57.46% *19,746 *30,261 130 2005 Opened offices in Australia and New Zealand in 2018 and launching a German website this year

103Mint VelvetWomenswear retailer

High Wycombe Apr 18 57.01% 8,436 100,969 817 2009 The founders of River Island are supporting its expansion in the UK and abroad

104Prima CheeseCheese processor

County Durham Apr 18 56.58% 16,725 65,504 110 1997 Exhibits its cheese at international trade fairs in Paris, Cologne and Dubai

105Amelia KnightCosmetic designer and manufacturer

Knutsford Dec 17 56.33% 16,150 29,063 301 1998 Manufactures in China and supplies retailers on five continents

106TeneoIT consultancy

Reading Jun 18 56.15% *37,479 *55,297 113 2000 Has made three acquisitions in the US in the last three years

107M2M DirectIT distributor

Southeast London Dec 17 56.10% 40,000 70,099 18 1998 Offers same and next-day delivery to the US, Europe and Far East

108[70]

CloserStillExhibition organiser

Central London Dec 17 56.06% 13,407 47,001 199 2008 Its 30 annual global events and trade shows attract more than 160,000 delegates

109[109]

JellyfishDigital marketing agency

Central London Mar 18 55.98% 55,769 92,987 471 2005 Has launched two offices in Spain, three in the US and one each in Johannesburg and Seoul since 2017

110Lanes GroupWastewater services provider

Leeds Jul 18 55.65% 9,818 201,953 2,077 1992 Bought Irish competitor AQS Environmental Solutions in 2016

111ADEYHeating filter manufacturer

Cheltenham Dec 17 55.44% 4,098 40,948 98 2003 Trades across Europe, China, the US, Australia and New Zealand

112HavwoodsHardwood flooring specialist

Lancashire Dec 17 55.14% 3,630 44,583 119 1975 Its flooring projects include Sony's head office in Sydney and the Ritz Carlton in Budapest

113Specialist People ServicesHR services provider

Bradford Mar 18 55.09% 11,810 58,659 208 2011 Its Driver Hire Australia business opened its fifth office, in Adelaide, last year

114WindhoistWind turbine contractor

Irvine, Scotland Dec 17 54.56% 34,082 47,357 306 2005 Installed 53 wind turbines at a $380m wind farm in Australia

115[85]

Bullitt GroupConsumer electronics designer

Reading Dec 17 54.50% 148,728 156,785 120 2009 Its £57m growth in turnover in 2017 was all from exports

116SilburyFood ingredients supplier

Banbury Oct 17 54.15% 4,324 59,566 32 1985 Has a stake in Portuguese tomato processor, HIT Group

117ERSGRecruitment consultancy

Southeast London Sep 18 53.99% *30,646 *74,130 65 2008 Had 800 contractors working in 22 countries in 2018

118Corin OrthopaedicsOrthopaedic parts maker

Cirencester Dec 17 53.89% 97,883 105,729 474 1985 Has made three overseas acquisitions in the last three years

119[38]

blu-3Infrastructure provider

Kent Mar 18 53.73% 49,877 106,493 115 2004 Works on data centre projects in Denmark, Ireland and Holland

120[57]

PaladoneGift wholesaler

West Sussex Jun 18 53.46% *20,271 *37,925 130 1994 Demand from US retail giants, including GameStop and Target, has boosted overseas sales

121[86]

Frank Recruitment GroupIT recruitment consultancy

Newcastle upon Tyne Nov 17 53.19% 134,100 180,350 1,152 2006 Plans to create 500 jobs over 12 months

across the US and Europe

122FIRSTEvents organiser

Central London Sep 17 52.74% 48,893 56,981 201 1996 Acquired live events agency Clive in late 2017, which has offices in London and Dublin

123[68]

PeninsulaEmployment law consultancy

Manchester Mar 18 52.15% 83,086 223,591 2,250 1983 Employs more than 750 people across its operations in Australia, New Zealand and Canada

124[120]

MicroliseVehicle tracking developer

Nottingham Jun 18 51.01% *9,813 *50,146 477 1982 Has provided India's Tata Motors with 100,000 vehicle tracking systems

125[98]

Recycling LivesWaste management provider

Preston Sep 18 51.00% 30,985 75,053 324 2008 Sales of recycled metals to Asia and the Middle East support the firm's associated charity

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000




28



126Karro Food GroupPork processor

North Yorkshire Dec 17 50.86% *160,900 *638,900 4,065 2001 Its pig processing plant in Malton, Yorkshire, exports to the US and China

127ACC AviationAviation services provider

Reigate Dec 17 50.58% 91,336 93,046 43 2002 Became Ethiopian Airlines' exclusive European lease agent last year

128County Milk ProductsDairy products supplier

Cheshire Dec 17 50.49% 56,800 235,721 73 1994 Exports dairy ingredients to Europe and further afield

129[95]

PrincipleBrand implementation agency

Huddersfield Dec 17 50.38% 106,046 155,657 513 1987 Acquired Italian agency Underline in 2017 to boost its European presence

130[174]

PricecheckConsumer goods supplier

Sheffield Apr 18 50.34% 32,303 73,073 123 1978 Exports branded consumer goods to more than 75 countries

131[115]

MVFCustomer generation services

North London Mar 18 49.89% 42,528 70,889 365 2009 Its US revenue grew 64% to £19.2m last year

132[193]

Sapphire SystemsSystems integrator

Central London Dec 17 49.38% †12,267 †35,662 231 1993 Offers round-the-clock support from offices on five continents

133[194]

The Brand Machine GroupBranded apparel licensee

Central London Jan 18 48.69% 11,708 54,585 68 1990 Runs European showrooms in Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Milan and Stockholm

134Dairy PartnersCheesemaker

Gloucestershire Dec 17 48.26% 23,629 76,289 147 1994 Supplies mozzarella and pizza cheese to the food service sector in Britain and abroad

135[185]

JoJo Maman BébéMaternity and babywear retailer

South Wales Jun 18 47.93% *8,108 *67,636 953 1993 Helps clothe Syrian mothers and their children living in refugee camps in Lebanon

136Scan Computers InternationalIT hardware supplier

Bolton Jun 18 47.54% 15,051 130,976 228 1987 Bitcoin mining has pushed up its sales of graphics cards to Eastern Europe, Russia and China

137[106]

White Clarke GroupFinancial software developer

Milton Keynes Dec 17 47.51% 50,214 61,806 536 1992 In November, it acquired Insyston, an asset finance software firm based in Australia

138CanaganPet food supplier

Buckinghamshire Mar 18 47.43% *14,237 *26,861 21 2009 High-profile customers include the Queen and the President of Ireland

139Vision RTMedical technology developer

North London Jul 17 47.11% 21,298 32,468 132 2001 Its technology is used in 34 of the top 50 US News's "Best hospitals for cancer"

140Parallel ConsultingRecruitment consultancy

Southwest London Dec 17 46.85% 16,361 32,027 119 2004 Opened an office in New York last year, adding to bases in London, Munich and Sydney

141TopCashbackCashback website

Stafford Dec 17 46.75% 24,755 109,213 177 2005 Runs cashback sites in the UK, US, India and China

142Beta PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals wholesaler

Essex Sep 17 46.44% 3,275 32,425 80 1986 Exports medical supplies to Europe, East Africa and the Middle East

143ElementTesting services provider

Central London Dec 17 46.40% 334,568 414,034 4,003 2010 Its 6,700 experts operate out of 188 laboratories in 32 countries

144[107]

Total Media GroupMedia agency

Central London Dec 17 46.10% 41,543 84,647 130 1982 Has a tech and innovation hub in Estonia where it works on digital marketing campaigns

145[198]

Ptarmigan MediaFinancial media agency

Central London Dec 18 45.61% *66,893 *114,103 112 1993 Its US revenues rose more than 80% to £38m last year

146GapumaCommodities trader

Central London Mar 18 45.56% 113,130 114,242 56 1999 Is a member of the British Exporters Association and Business Council for Africa

147[111]

OptionsFinancial technology provider

Central London Dec 17 45.36% 34,443 50,402 172 1993 Opened an office in New Zealand in October to expand its operations in Australasia

148[159]

Proseal Tray-sealing equipment maker

Cheshire Jan 18 45.35% 33,718 60,440 368 1998 Its machinery is in operation in more than 50 countries worldwide

149[113]

XexecReward programme administrator

Northwest London Nov 17 44.76% 6,184 33,459 39 2000 Customers include global organisations such as HP and PwC

150InsideAsia ToursTour operator

Bristol Dec 17 44.73% 13,169 27,910 128 2000 Has sales offices in the US and Australia, and an operations branch in Japan

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000






151[140]

DecoraBlind manufacturer

Northern Ireland Dec 17 44.67% 6,459 69,639 771 1979 Exports blinds to the EU, with key markets including Ireland and the Netherlands

152Phaidon InternationalRecruitment consultancy

Central London Oct 17 44.67% 60,824 67,405 426 2004 In 2017, it managed more than 2,150 career moves across 60 countries

153[48]

Monica VinaderJewellery designer

Norfolk Jul 18 44.66% *20,303 *42,783 212 2007 Has 20 boutiques across Asia and North America

154TIMcoTool accessories supplier

Cheshire Dec 17 44.45% 1,841 35,114 160 1972 Has sold 16bn items worldwide, including 4.5bn classic screws

155[29]

Reward GatewayEmployee engagement services

Central London Jun 18 43.83% 82,066 386,395 380 2006 Its global clients include Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Samsung

156[195]

Ahmad TeaTea maker

Hampshire Dec 17 43.31% 69,283 73,185 300 1986 Employs more than 25 expert tea tasters around the world

157[123]

CennoxBanking automation services

Surrey Dec 17 43.18% 37,759 60,399 697 2004 Generated more than half its sales in the US in 2017

158SIAN WholesaleConsumer goods supplier

Surrey Dec 17 43.08% 13,287 25,716 22 2003 Exports more than 4,000 consumer products to 50 countries

159Aspen PumpsCondensate pump manufacturer

East Sussex Dec 17 41.45% 41,798 54,598 177 1992 Has doubled exports in two years to £42m and has customers in 100 countries

160[32]

TrutexSchool uniform supplier

Lancashire Dec 17 41.38% 2,273 31,013 241 1865 Its British-style school uniforms are popular in the Middle East

161HRS Heat ExchangersHeat exchanger supplier

Watford Dec 17 41.34% 20,718 28,328 179 1981 Runs manufacturing facilities in Britain, Spain and India

162Blackrock Expert ServicesDispute resolution consultancy

Central London Oct 17 40.97% 25,425 29,708 84 2009 Its team of employees speaks 15 languages

163Cooper & TurnerIndustrial fastener manufacturer

Sheffield Feb 18 40.25% †46,206 †60,188 397 1912 Acquired by US private equity firm Watermill Group in 2017 for an undisclosed sum

164[125]

John AdamsToy wholesaler

Cambridgeshire Dec 17 39.75% 5,738 34,609 40 1967 Exports its own brand and licensed character games to 28 countries

165Hedonism WinesWine retailer

Central London Jul 18 39.29% *8,318 *25,890 43 2010 Sold a Château d’Yquem 1811 - Hannibal Lecter's favourite white wine - for a record £78,105

166Lawton TubesCopper tube supplier

Coventry Sep 17 39.15% 10,991 133,899 100 1918 Chartered an aeroplane to deliver a full cargo of 6m copper tubes

167[138]

CollinsonBenefits and loyalty provider

Central London Apr 18 39.02% *674,043 *816,439 1,899 1991 Its Priority Pass scheme provides members with access to more than 1,200 airport lounges

168[129]

BrewDogBrewery

Aberdeenshire Dec 17 38.26% 21,628 111,551 777 2007 Has breweries in Scotland and America, and is building one in Australia

169[130]

CDE GlobalProcessing equipment manufacturer

County Tyrone Dec 17 38.23% 47,439 61,932 236 1992 Its industrial processing machinery is used in 70 countries

170[133]

EnerMechEngineering services provider

Aberdeen Dec 17 37.86% *295,900 *361,400 2,900 2008 Provides electrical and mechanical services in 40 locations worldwide

171[178]

Brigade ElectronicsSafety device manufacturer

Kent Jan 18 37.68% 27,097 42,425 176 1976 Exports its vehicle safety systems to five continents

172Firmdale HotelsHotelier

Central London Jan 18 37.62% 44,650 148,335 1,636 1985 Its Crosby Street hotel in New York has an average room rate of $925

173HaygroveBerry producer

Herefordshire Dec 17 37.58% 47,242 97,783 3,273 1988 Grows berries and other fruit at farms in the UK, China, Portugal and South Africa

174FentimansDrinks manufacturer

Northumberland Dec 17 37.28% 11,108 30,076 55 1905 Exports to distributors in more than 80 countries

175CT AutomotiveCar parts supplier

Portsmouth Dec 17 37.07% †43,536 †71,957 2,361 2000 Ships an air vent roughly every second from one of its global facilities

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000




30



176PreqinData services provider

Central London Dec 17 36.74% 33,352 38,986 333 2003 Investors in more than 90 countries use its data

177[141]

Amoria BondRecruitment consultancy

Manchester Nov 17 36.46% 33,637 51,223 129 2007 Trades in more than 40 countries from bases in the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Singapore

178[28]

SeasaltClothing retailer

Cornwall Jan 18 36.44% 3,188 51,089 766 1981 Raised £16m in September to open 40 stores in the UK and Ireland

179WorldFirstInternational payment provider

Central London Dec 17 36.13% 56,350 85,905 641 2004 Has transferred more than £70bn worldwide since it was launched in 2004

180bet365Online bookmaker

Stoke-on-Trent Mar 18 36.10% 2,054,321 2,857,259 4,236 2001 Has an operations hub in Gibraltar and is expanding its presence in Malta

181[51]

Fundamental MediaMedia agency

Central London Dec 17 36.09% 40,035 62,391 76 2003 Its technology provides marketing intelligence for fund managers in more than 20 countries

182[139]

ChildrensalonChildrenswear retailer

Tunbridge Wells Dec 17 36.01% 66,761 78,861 296 1952 Sells designer clothes for children in more than 160 countries

183[143]

FAI AutomotiveAutomotive parts supplier

Leighton Buzzard Dec 17 35.79% 13,726 30,123 108 1978 Stocks more than 40,000 different parts and exports to 60 countries

184Busy BeesNurseries operator

Staffordshire Dec 17 35.44% 94,866 327,491 9,979 1983 Plans to open 32 nurseries in China by 2023

185Evolution Power ToolsPower tool supplier

Sheffield Dec 17 35.42% 18,845 40,270 98 1997 Its website is available in more than 100 languages

186[124]

The Little GroupMedia wholesaler

Eastbourne Feb 18 34.86% 151,886 338,077 1,218 1996 Its subsidiary, Lasgo, has twice won the Queen's Award for Exports

187JSPSafety product manufacturer

Oxfordshire Mar 18 34.72% 28,878 58,116 305 1964 Launched a 54,000 sq ft manufacturing and logistics centre in Germany in 2017

188Meade-King Robinson & CoChemicals supplier

Liverpool Mar 18 34.17% 13,176 52,227 33 1867 Has a distribution facility in Holland

189Rosewood Pet ProductsPet products supplier

Telford Dec 17 33.52% 4,151 29,108 67 1960 Its 4,000 strong product line is sold in more than 60 countries

190[158]

NisbetsCatering equipment supplier

Bristol Dec 17 32.68% 88,426 388,540 1,839 1983 Ships catering equipment to more than 500,000 customers in 100 countries

191MooOnline stationery printer

Central London Dec 17 32.57% 78,766 90,251 479 2006 North America accounted for 70% of its £90m sales in 2017

192Pentland GroupBrand manager and retailer

North London Dec 17 31.81% 1,401,500 3,638,900 20,865 1932 Was appointed the global licensee for Karen Millen footwear last year

193Montreal AssociatesRecruitment consultancy

East London Dec 17 31.72% 40,316 41,778 57 1978 Generates more than 95% of its revenue from overseas sales

194[92]

Cambridge CommoditiesNutritional supplement wholesaler

Ely May 18 31.52% *14,804 *41,800 120 1998 Bought the food ingredients business of US wholesaler Earth Circle Organics in 2018

195LeathwaiteRecruitment consultancy

Central London Jul 17 31.47% 10,015 33,071 76 1999 Has delivered projects across six continents

196Done + DustedTV and events producer

Central London Dec 17 31.34% 47,392 50,602 33 1998 Produced the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai in 2017

197Brook TavernerCorporate clothing supplier

West Yorkshire Dec 17 30.98% 4,951 30,645 124 1912 Its six miles of hanging rails in Keighley stock corporate wear worth £8m and ready for export

198Priority FreightLogistics services provider

Dover Dec 17 30.93% 45,813 66,161 164 1996 In 2018, it opened an office near Bratislava Airport, Slovakia, to expand in central Europe

199musicMagpieOnline entertainment trader

Stockport May 18 30.90% *46,612 *115,666 700 2007 Has customers in more than 150 countries, including the Vatican City

200[171]

MPM ProductsPet food producer

Manchester Dec 17 30.62% 36,212 56,854 68 2002 Exports to more than 50 markets, including the US and Australia, where it has offices

Rank2019



over 2 yrs

Latest int'l sales


Latest total sales

£000




METHODOLOGYThe International Track 200 league table ranks Britain's privately-owned mid-market companies with the fastest-growing international sales over their latest two years of available accounts, i.e. between 2015 and 2017, or 2016 and 2018. International sales were defined as declared non-UK revenue.

Limitations: The research is based on the available data on international sales which can be limited. Companies filing abbreviated accounts are not required to disclose any geographical breakdown of sales, and many companies filing full accounts do not make this disclosure on the grounds that it may be prejudicial to their interests.

Qualification criteria• UK-registered, unquoted, independent and making an

operating profit

• International sales of at least £500,000 in the base year (2015 or 2016)

• Latest year international sales of at least £1m (2017 or 2018)

• Latest year total sales greater than £25m. Any sales from joint ventures were excluded (companies with sales less than £25m are eligibile for our SME Export Track 100)

• International sales greater than 5% of total sales in latest year

• No drop in international sales from penultimate to latest year

• Latest year staff numbers greater than 10

• Recruitment, media and travel agencies must show gross profits of at least £5m in the latest year

• At least 25 trading weeks in latest and base year (trading periods different from 52 weeks were annualised on a simple straight pro-rata basis)

Research approachThe main research was conducted by the Fast Track research team predominantly between August and December 2018. Companies were selected from a database of 2m private limited UK companies after extensive desk, telephone and case study research. The majority of the companies in the league table have been interviewed by Fast Track.

DisclaimersPrivate company information can be incomplete and, while every effort is made to include all qualifying companies, there may be omissions. Some exceptions were made to the qualification criteria set out above. The compiler’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Nominations for next year’s table would be welcome.




32

Fast Track would like to thank HSBC for its title sponsorship of International Track 200 for all 10 years; DHL Express for its sponsorship for a third year; and Oracle NetSuite for its first year as a main sponsor

We would also like to thank our media partner The Sunday Times for their continued support of International Track 200 for all 10 years.

Neither Fast Track or our sponsors or media partner endorse, guarantee or recommend investment in any of the companies; the rankings are based on historical sales growth.

Media partner

SUPPORTERS

The Sunday Times has been Fast Track's media partner for all 22 years.

It is Britain’s No 1 newspaper for business, and the leading broadsheet newspaper attracting over two million readers every week. Almost half (46%) of senior business decision-makers read The Sunday Times, a greater market share than any other publication, according to the latest 2018 Ipsos survey.

Oliver ShahBusiness editor

thesundaytimes.co.uk@ST_Business


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/?sunday

https://twitter.com/ST_Business?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor



Sponsors

Nicky TozerVice President of EMEA

Amanda MurphyHead of Commercial Banking, UK

HSBC has been the title sponsor of International Track 200 for all 10 years.

HSBC UK is one of the world’s largest banks serving over 1 million UK businesses among 37 million customers worldwide. Our international banking network covers 53 international markets and gives us access to around 90% of world trade flows.

Alongside specialist teams serving eight key sectors, two further teams offer core financing support. Our Leverage Finance service supports deals of all sizes, facilitating M&A, syndication financing, and access to high-yield bonds and Treasury. Our Commercial Banking Origination service facilitates and advises on sophisticated corporate financing in the UK and Europe.

business.hsbc.co.uk/corporate

@HSBCUKBusiness

Ian WilsonCEO, DHL Express UK & Ireland

DHL Express is a main sponsor for a third year.

DHL Express is the global market leader in the international express delivery market, specialising in time and day critical shipping to all corners of the world. With a network spanning over 220 countries and territories, DHL ensures your products are quickly and reliably delivered to destinations all over the world, providing tailored delivery options and returns. Whether you are a new or experienced international shipper, DHL is here to help. From improving your website’s international appeal, to the intricacies of customs duties and taxes, DHL Express offers support at every stage of the export journey.

dhlguide.co.uk@DHLExpressUK

Oracle NetSuite is a main sponsor for the first year.

Over 16,000 customers in 203 countries trust Oracle NetSuite to run their mission-critical business processes from accounting, procurement and HR through to marketing and sales. NetSuite’s track record as the business system of choice for high-growth companies across all industries is unmatched. Companies of all sizes benefit from its comprehensive, global financial and accounting core that makes international expansion straightforward; improved visibility across the business; and increased efficiency from eliminating manual processes and disparate systems.

netsuite.co.uk@NetSuiteEMEA


https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb

https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb

https://twitter.com/HSBCUKBusiness?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://dhlguide.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/dhlexpressuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

http://netsuite.co.uk/portal/uk/home.shtml

https://twitter.com/NetSuiteEMEA?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor



34

Jon MacLeod is director of research at Fast Track.

Prior to this he was a director in the equity research department of Citigroup Global Markets, where he worked for 17 years. Jon began his career in the fixed income markets and has also worked as a financial journalist. He has a masters in social and political science from Cambridge University.

Lindsay Uppadine is reponsible for managing the International Track 200 research.

She joined Fast Track in 2006, having previously worked as a research associate at Library House in Cambridge. She spent three years as a post-doctoral research chemist at the Université Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France; and has a doctorate and masters in chemistry from Oxford University.

Richard Tyler is director of editorial at Fast Track.

He was the enterprise editor of The Daily and Sunday Telegraph for nine years, covering private companies and government policy. He trained in journalism at Euromoney, part of The Daily Mail & General Trust, after completing his degree at Manchester University.

ABOUT FAST TRACK

Compiler & publisher

The authors

Hamish Stevenson owns and runs Fast Track, which he founded in 1997 after securing cornerstone sponsorship from Virgin and ongoing support from Sir Richard Branson. He works closely with leading entrepreneurs, sponsors and media partners.

He is an associate fellow at Green Templeton College, Oxford University; where he completed his masters and doctorate in management studies, and subsequently set up and held the Virgin research fellowship in entrepreneurship. He also has a degree in political science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Research support was also provided by Fast Track researchers Michael Cook, Malcolm Gilmour, Kaye Johnson, Matthew Elliott, Eva Gronbech and Trevor Treharne, and freelancers Laura Parker, Ashley Cavers and Luke Purser, Dan Robinson and Suzie Pilkington.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishstevenson1/



CONTACT DETAILS

Fast Track Angel Court 81 St Clements Street Oxford OX4 1AW

Tel: 01865 297100

Email: [email protected]

Web: fasttrack.co.uk

@ST_FastTrack @FastTrackAlumni

The Sunday Times Fast Track

Fast TrackInternational Track 200 is compiled by Fast Track, the UK's leading research and face-to-face networking events company, which ranks top performing private companies and entrepreneurs.

Fast Track has compiled league tables on private companies in partnership with The Sunday Times for the last 22 years. It publishes six other annual league table awards programmes:

SME Export Track 100 ranks Britain's SMEs with the fastest-growing international sales (total sales between £5m and £25m)

Tech Track 100 ranks Britain's private technology (TMT) companies with the fastest-growing sales

Fast Track 100 ranks Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales (excluding tech companies)

Profit Track 100 ranks Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing profits

Top Track 250 ranks Britain’s leading mid-market private growth companies with the biggest sales (the next tier below the top 100, and minimum 5% growth in sales or profits)

Top Track 100 ranks Britain’s private companies with the biggest sales (£700m to £27bn)

Fast Track is based in Oxford with 25 staff, and a network of 8 freelance researchers.



https://twitter.com/st_fasttrack?lang=en

https://twitter.com/fasttrackalumni

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunday-times-fast-track/

https://twitter.com/st_fasttrack?lang=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunday-times-fast-track/

Documents

TENTH YEAR Research report 2019 - Fast Track · • The top-ranked company is fitness clothing retailer Gymshark, headquartered in Solihull. It grew international sales 228% a year,