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Bradford’s top 100 firms ranked by School of Management

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Bradford’s best businesses have been showcased in an annual study by the University and a city newspaper.

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The University of Bradford’s School of Management has teamed up with the Telegraph & Argus to produce the fourth annual Bradford Top 100 Businesses list. 

The list, which celebrates the city’s biggest successes from 2024 figures, was unveiled in front of Bradford business representatives at a launch event held at the University.

Acorn Stairlifts topped this year’s list, winning the Number One Award. Second place was Vanquis Bank, with Morrisons ranked third.  

Three people dressed in business jackets without ties line up for a photo as the middle person holds a glass award

Building business confidence  

Professor David Spicer, Professor of Small Business Development and Organisational Studies and Director of Business and Community Engagement at the University’s School of Management, said: “The Top 100 list acknowledges the outstanding and diverse range of businesses headquartered within our city.  

“The list does not, however, present a definitive ranked list of the economic value or contribution of each business named.  

“It should instead be recognised as a showcase for all those included, and I want to celebrate with all these businesses and acknowledge the role they play in Bradford and its business landscape.” 

Professor Yvonne Moogan, Director of the University's School of Management, said: “It was a delight once again to host the launch for the fourth Bradford Top 100 Businesses report and celebrate the strength of the businesses based in the city.

"This report highlights the diversity of businesses in the city but notable within this,  are the strengths in manufacturing and logistics which show Bradford’s talent in fundamental businesses that underpin the UK economy."

Steve Lowe, Sales Director at LOCALiQ, said: “The report is aimed to build confidence in Bradford as a place to do business, to invest in and to be proud of as a local business doing well. 

“It will be used by the School of Management, the Bradford Council business development team and the T&A across the next 12 months to provide a consistent positive narrative for the district.” 

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How the Top 100 list was compiled 

Launched in 2023, the list celebrates the success of Bradford-based businesses and aims to build confidence in Bradford as a place to do business, invest and for firms to be proud.  

The list was compiled by the University’s School of Management from publicly available data, ranking firms across indicators of business success, including turnover, increase in turnover and shareholders’ funds. 

All of the featured firms have their headquarters, or primary trading address, located in the Bradford Council area. Bradford postcodes which fall in other council areas are excluded, while some Leeds postcodes which fall within the Bradford district, are included.  

All firms must have filed business information and accounts with Companies House and have a registered primary trading address and/or headquarters based with the list’s qualifying area.  

Other Top 100 award winners 

Rugby league side, Bradford Bulls, celebrated their promotion to Betfred Super League this season by winning the ‘One to Watch’ prize.  

Savoy Timber Holdings claimed the Highest Growth award, while Expect Distribution were crowned winners of the Distribution and Logistics category. 

BorgWarner won the Manufacturing award, while Univar Solutions secured the Small and medium-sized enterprise SMEs (under £50 million) and Czajka Care, a Saltaire-based care firm, won the SMEs (Under £10m) award. Business travel company, Corporate Travel Management (CTM), won the SMEs (Under 250 employees) category.