Cambridgeshire’s top 100 businesses for 2024 have been named in an annual report by Grant Thornton.
The accountancy and consulting firm’s 12th Cambridgeshire Limited report lists privately-owned companies by turnover, using the latest accounts available as of 1 August, 2024, as we have the data in a table below in full.
Where the top 100 companies in Cambridgeshire Limited 2024 are located Graphic: Grant Thornton
Topping the chart this year is G’s Group Holdings, the international seed-to-shelf farming business headquartered in Barway, near Ely, which now has farms and production facilities located throughout the UK, Spain, Eastern Europe, West Africa, Netherlands, Germany and the US.
BGL (Holdings), the insurance group headquartered in Orton Southgate, Peterborough, comes in second, with Cambourne-based agronomy business ProCam Europe in third, new and used car dealership Vindis Group in fourth and Marshall of Cambridge completing the top five.
Introducing the report, Grant Thornton partner James Brown and corporate finance partner Stuart Davies say: “The Cambridgeshire business landscape continues to demonstrate remarkable growth and resilience, as highlighted in this year’s Cambridgeshire Limited report.
Some of the top 100 businesses of 2024 – clockwise from top left, Marshall, Featurespace, TWI, Bidwells and Costello Medical
Despite facing the economic challenges of inflation, rising finance costs and a volatile political environment, local businesses have shown consistent growth in turnover (up 6.4 per cent), EBITDA (up 7.9 per cent), and fixed assets (up 3.3 per cent). This resilience and adaptability are key strengths of our region’s business environment.
“A notable aspect of Cambridgeshire’s economy is its diversity. While the county is often associated with technology and life sciences, the report shows that the largest industries in the Top 100 by number of companies are services (21), consumer products (20), industrial products (18) and – despite having only seven companies – the food and beverage sector ranks third in total revenue, generating £840million. This diversity helps buffer the local economy against sector-specific downturns, providing a stable foundation for growth.
“Adaptability is another crucial theme. Businesses in Cambridgeshire have shown remarkable flexibility in response to changing market conditions. This adaptability has been instrumental in maintaining steady growth and navigating economic challenges. As a sign of the ever-changing market, 14 new entrants have made it into the Top 100 this year.”
The league table excludes companies that are listed, owned by listed businesses, schools, trusts, charities and businesses that are subsidiaries of overseas companies.
The report also showcases the 50 most profitable companies in the county, based upon earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) – a list headed by BGL (Holdings) and also featuring ProCam Europe in fourth.
Cambridge Science Park-based Napp Pharmaceutical Holdings is second, with Orton Southgate-based AK Retail Holdings – a clothing retailer with brands including Yours Clothing, Yours London, Bump It Up Maternity and BadRhino – in third.
Bidwells LLP, the Cambridge-headquartered property consultancy, is the fifth most profitable business in the county.
A list of the fastest-growing businesses also makes for interesting reading and is headed by Cambridge-based real estate company Howard Ventures and Milton-based solar equipment supplier Midsummer Energy.
The 25 largest subsidiaries of internationally-owned companies are also listed by turnover in the county, with Granta Park-based sequencing giant Illumina Cambridge first, followed by semiconductor specialist Qualcomm Technologies International, based on Cambridge Business Park, and another Granta Park-based company, PPD Global – the contract research organisation arm of Thermo Fisher Scientific – in third.
James and Stuart added: “Looking ahead, the future of Cambridgeshire’s business landscape continues to be full of promise. However, in order to maximise this opportunity the county needs to continue tackling the challenges of skills, transport, housing and health and social care.
Cambridgeshire Limited 2024 top 100 companies at a glance. Graphic: Grant Thornton
“Indeed, the sustainability of electricity distribution infrastructure is also proving to be an increasingly significant consideration in the growth of the county.”
Internationally-owned companies in the top 100 of Cambridgeshire Limited 2024 represent £15.1bn in turnover. Graphic: Grant Thornton
You can compare this year’s list to the top 100 companies from 2023 here.
Visit www2.grantthornton. co.uk/2024-Q4-Download-Cambridgeshire-Limited-8940_Page.html to download the full report.