Stephensons of Essex has been included in the inaugural publication of the London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1,000 companies to Inspire Britain’, a list of the most inspiring small and medium UK companies.
The Rochford fiim runs the Haverhill Duddery Hill depot formally used by Burton Buses.
To be selected, companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings.
The result is a list of companies which the Stock Exchange said is richer and more varied than ever identified in any other exercise of this type.
It demonstrates that the UK has a diverse economy with companies on the list representing over 100 sectors, from architecture and automotive, to venture capital and wine, and encouragingly from across every region of the UK.
The Exchange’s goal in producing the report is to highlight, to as wide an audience as possible, the importance of SME’s to the future of the UK economy.
Its research has shown that it is almost exclusively these companies which have generated new, net job creation in the UK since the financial crisis.
Stephensons managing director Bill Hiron explained that he was completely unaware of the company’s inclusion until the list was published.
“We are delighted to be recognised in this way, alongside some of the UK’s most vibrant companies,” he said.
“Local bus operation is not normally in the spotlight alongside some such well-known national brands, but the listing is testament to the hard work and professionalism of our staff and management team.”
Xavier Rolet, chief executive officer of London Stock Exchange Group, said: “More needs to be done to raise awareness of the importance of these businesses.
“More needs to be done to nurture, support and encourage these companies, many of which have the potential to be the blue chips of tomorrow.
“That support comes in many forms: from cutting red tape, to media promotion, to providing access to appropriate finance.”
For all the latest news see Boxing Day’s (Thursday, December 26) Echo.