Four North East companies rank in UK league for fastest export growth

Four North East firms have ranked among the British mid-market businesses with the fastest-growing overseas revenues.

The regional stars have grown international sales by an average of 55% per year in the last two years to a combined £230m, according to the latest Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200.

The North East’s top-ranked company is Newcastle-based e-tailer END., which came 68th.

Founded in 2005 by university pals John Parker and Christiaan Ashworth, END. last year generated £70.4m of its £101.1m sales total overseas.

Behind END. were Seaham-based cheese processor Prima Cheese, in 104th place; Newcastle IT recruitment consultancy Frank Recruitment Group, 121st; and Hexham-headquartered drinks company Fentimans, 174th.

This year’s International Track 200 marks the first ranking for Fentimans. The company has brewed botanical drinks since 1905 but now exports to over 80 countries, generating international sales of £11.1m and total sales of £30.1m.

The league table programme is compiled by Oxford-based research and networking events firm Fast Track and sponsored by HSBC, Oracle NetSuite and DHL Express.

Amanda Murphy, head of commercial banking for HSBC UK, said of the findings: “All the businesses it showcases have truly inspiring stories to tell about creativity, resilience and ambition to succeed.

“The four companies in the northeast of England are putting the region firmly on the map.”

She added: “They are the kinds of enterprises we are thrilled to support and that provide the backbone of our economy, today and tomorrow.”