The North West’s Fastest 50 businesses have been unveiled by Ward Hadaway with medical technology manufacturer and supplier Hologic being named the North West’s fastest growing business.

The company was crowned the overall winner on Friday 9 June, at a prestigious event at the Royal Exchange Theatre, hosted by Manchester law firm Ward Hadaway, supported by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

Hologic also picked up the award for the fastest growing large business whilst Manchester-based Apparel Brands, a leading clothing retailer, scooped the gong for the fastest growing medium-sized company. Family-run construction business Jamieson Contracting, based in Tameside, took home the trophy for 2023’s fastest growing small business. Jamieson provides a range of construction and engineering services to private, public and third sector organisations across the North of England.

The North West Fastest 50 Awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the region’s most dynamic and innovative businesses that are continuing to grow and prosper. This year, the Fastest 50 companies shared a combined profit of £348 million and celebrated an increase in turnover of £3.4 billion since 2020.

Businesses large and small came together in central Manchester to learn more about the collective progress they’re making and how this is driving the North West forward as one of the UK’s strongest economies. The keynote speech was delivered by entrepreneur William Lees-Jones, the managing director of JW Lees, one of the region’s most recognised and successful brewery businesses.

Liz Bottrill, executive partner of Ward Hadaway’s Manchester office, said: “The Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 Awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of businesses across the region. It goes without saying, businesses are continuing to face huge challenges in today’s trading environment."

“However, as our Fastest 50 list reveals, this has not stopped the success and growth of businesses in the North West. At the awards ceremony, we celebrated the innovation, drive and dynamism of North West businesses that make the region such a vibrant and successful place to do business. Well done to all of those companies that have made the list, especially our winners, it’s very well deserved.”

At the event, the winners of three main categories - small, medium and large - alongside the overall fastest growing business of the year - each received an award for their continued success.

Hologic was a double winner at the event, taking home the award for overall fastest growing business of the year and fastest growing large business. The company, which develops diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products dedicated to championing women’s health, has achieved an average turnover growth of nearly 120% in the last three years.

James O’Sullivan, site director at Hologic, said: “It’s an absolute delight to win two awards today not just in the large category but for the overall fastest growing business in the North West. We’re driven by a passion and purpose to enable healthier lives, everywhere, every day and it’s amazing to be recognised for the vital work we do to help healthcare professionals provide quality, person-centred care. We can’t quite believe we’re the overall fastest growing business in the region - we’re thrilled.”

The success stories shared at the Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 Awards serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region, reinforcing the message that the North West is a fertile ground for growth and a place where ambition, dedication and innovation thrives.

Chris Fletcher, GMLSIP Director and Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “It was a great honour for the Chamber to once again partner with Ward Hadaway on the North West Fastest 50. This year felt extra special after a four-year break to get back together in person with some of the region’s very best businesses and celebrate their success and efforts. As the UK’s largest Chamber being involved with this award is fantastic and it’s great to play a part in celebrating the best that business in the North West has to offer.”

The full 2023 North West Fastest 50 list can be viewed here