Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that the impact of a COVID-economy would decimate growth amongst SMEs in Wales. So it’s a genuine inspiration to see such an astonishing performance in the Fast Growth 50 from so many small and medium-sized businesses, across many different sectors.
The fast-growth enterprises in the South Wales Valleys in particular, a category we are proud to sponsor, deserve a special mention, given the dreadful challenges they have had to overcome as one of the geographies most affected by the pandemic.
“Triple-digit growth amongst an incredibly diverse SME population”
It’s particularly heartening to see triple-digit growth amongst a diverse range of companies serving sectors as varied as Carpentry, Commercial Vehicles, Facilities Management, Freight Logistics, Managed Services, Rail Systems, Recruitment, Software, Training and Waste Management – suggesting that the Welsh Government and Cardiff Capital Region strategy to achieve inclusive growth built on sustainable SMEs is beginning to bear fruit.
So which Valley companies stand tallest in the Fast Growth 50? In terms of percentage growth between 2017-2019, pride of place and the CCR award for the fastest growing firm in the South Wales Valleys goes to Freight Logistics Solutions of Pontypool, which generated an astonishing 623% expansion. This is closely followed by Vetro Health of Caerphilly and SL Recycling of Hengoed, who respectively enjoyed a phenomenal 578.8% and 495% growth over the same period. Other standout performances include two Ebbw Vale success stories – Motion Rail (468.4%) and Central FM Group (443%) – together with Total Care Services of Merthyr Tydfil, which saw an impressive 361.9% increase in revenues.
“Success for organisations with a real social purpose”
Beyond pure commercial success, it’s also heartening to see organisations with a real social purpose growing exponentially. Sgiliau Cyf of Cross Keys grew their services which support young people who are not in education, employment and training by 285.4%; while Talbot Green’s One Team Logic grew by 215%, providing world-class safeguarding software that helps keep children, young people and adults at risk safe from harm.
There are many more Valleys businesses that feature in the Top 50 – including the 248.9% growth story of Lightning Solutions in Merthyr Tydfil and the notable results posted by Advanced Carpentry Solutions (Pontypridd), Avondale Motorpark (Cwmbran), Mechtech Professionals (Caerphilly), Nutrivend (Pontyclun), Genmed.me (Cwmbran) and Team Metalogic (Caerphilly).
“We applaud both the endeavour and entrepreneurial spirit”
As proud sponsors of the Fast Growth 50, the whole team at Cardiff Capital Region applauds the endeavour and entrepreneurial spirit shown by everyone featured in this prestigious showcase of Welsh SME success – and we’re looking forward to helping all businesses in our Region grow further in any way we can.
