Three Humber firms have been included in a prestigious list of the UK’s fastest growing founder-led private businesses.
The 2023 compilation of the FEBE Growth 100 sees contact centre specialist ResQ and vehicle repair network operator Vizion join resin producer Vuba, the region’s sole representative in the 'For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs' compilation last time out.
It still leads the way for the area under Sean Scott’s guidance, with the past year seeing turnover increase by £3 million and the Beverley-based team swell from 35 to 60. The continued success saw it jump three places from 23rd to 20th in the rankings. It formulates and manufactures the binding kits used on driveways, with a patented pour-on product for fixing gravel and stones. Expanding into Europe and North America, aggregate sourcing has been added to the portfolio.
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Reflecting on the past year, Mr Scott, who started in his garage in Hull - having worked in the industry prior - said: "It has been lots of hard work and we are building the structure now for a much bigger business. What we are doing is putting in the groundwork for the next few years of growth.
"We are aiming to build a global brand, so we're getting the infrastructure right."
A Spanish depot and the introduction of a 110-strong dealer network in the US have been particular highlights, while on the home front a 1,000 sq m distribution base has been opened to cover the South West, at Bridgwater, Somerset, with a South East addition imminent. Four HGVs have been added to the fleet as it takes distribution in-house.
"We're taking out the growing pains," Mr Scott enthused, having also found unexpected success on social media platforms, helping orders pour in. Work with celebrities and influencers has also aided growth with designer home pitches. "The UK is the world leader in this type of resin technology and we ae the top of that sphere in the UK," he said. "There is huge demand for us to export product." It was underlined after Vuba was crowned busiest stand at a huge trade show in Las Vegas.
Next up on the list is Vizion Network, in at 51, with chair Eamonn Dunne and managing director Chris McKie at the helm of Hull-headquartered operation.
It claims to be the UK’s largest vehicle repair network, with more than 900 participating independent sites across the UK. Like Vuba it was founded in 2009, with repairers covering all makes and types of vehicles and with a focus on using technology to enhance the customer experience. Vizion announced a turnover of £186 million in 2021, driven by new service contracts for the company’s digital software and fintech products from insurance companies and vehicle manufacturers. Operating out of The Deep Business Centre and a further base in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, it employs 189 people.
Across the city, and one of the largest employers sneaked into the list in 94th place.
ResQ, with its prominent expansion underway at Hammonds of Hull and across Ferensway at Cherry Tree Court, provides outsourced contact centre support services. It was founded in 2006 by chief executive Gill Marchbank, chair Nic Marshall and chief commercial officer Matt Marshall, and has grown from just 10 agents to employing more than 1,500 people. The company has seen its turnover rise to £51.2 million in 2021, and could employ 2,500 by the end of the year as it bids for more major contracts with blue chip companies.
Both ResQ and Vuba were winners at the Hull Live Business Awards 2022, taking Large and Small Company of the Year respectively. Entries have just opened for 2023.
FEBE, championing 'dare to doers' celebrates vision and resilience of those at the top of the 4.2 million private businesses in the UK, and ambassadors include several former BBC dragons.
Vuba has also been recognised in The Sunday Times Hundred 2023, the list of fastest growing companies, ranking 43rd. Also on the Humber, Myenergi - last year's 9th place - came in at 26. Turnover was listed at £67.2 million, with growth of 126.4 per cent. The company is currently consulting on a reduction in workforce after sales slowed.
Co-founder and chief marketing officer, Jordan Brompton, said: "It’s been such a tough year for the macro-economic climate and to make this list again and come in the top 30 is just amazing and it makes me so proud. We are proud of playing our part in trying to make the world a more sustainable place and I think this is a testament to our efforts to really make a difference and to do the work to match."
