TOP 100: Top companies making profits

Despite the current uncertainty due to the forthcoming Brexit vote, the overall economic environment has shown signs of improvement in the last 12 months.

This year’s survey shows the region’s top companies have maintained turnover and have increased profits and employment.

The headline results from the survey are:

Turnover grew from 2013 to 2015 but fell by one per cent in 2016.

Profits before tax rose significantly by more than 65 per cent.

Employment has increased by three per cent compared to 2015 with the Top 100 employing almost 17,000 more than in 2014.

Sheffield City region boasts an impressive blend of strength and diversity which is reflected in the results of this year’s survey with 86 of the companies repeating their appearance within the region’s Top 100.

While the construction and building products sector experienced an aggregate fall in turnover, profitability increased by almost 30 per cent and 1,000 jobs were created since 2015.

Motor dealers saw a 12 per cent growth in turnover, a 25 per cent increase in profitability and six per cent increase in employment. The retail sector suffered a reduction in turnover, profitability and employment, reflecting a challenging price-driven market and the impact of technology.

Key to the prosperity of the region will be our ability to grow our knowledge-based economy. It is therefore pleasing to report the information and communication sector enjoyed a six per cent increase in turnover and a 31 per cent increase in profitability.

However, manufacturing has had a challenging year and although turnover and employment increased by five per cent and three per cent respectively, profitability fell by almost 29 per cent.

Given the continued importance of manufacturing to the region, it must be hoped that the recently announced Growth Hub helps the sector.

Overall, more of our companies have performed well: improving profits, creating jobs and investing for the future.