Clearview Midlands January 2014 - Issue 146 | Page 75

BUSINESSNEWS MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES ARE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE RECOVERY New CBI research shows that mediumsized businesses (MSBs) are the unsung heroes of the economy, having done much of the heavy lifting during the recovery, significantly contributing to jobs and growth across the UK. MSBs aren’t household names but employ between 50-499 people and have a turnover of £10-100 million. Despite only accounting for 1.8% of the UK private sector, MSBs have been responsible for creating a huge number of jobs between March 2010 and March 2013. They have created 185,000 jobs, a 4.1% increase, compared with 1.9% by large companies and 2.8% by small firms. They now employ 4.7 million people across the UK, 16% of our total workforce. In the same period their total turnover increased by more than double that of other firms: 7%, compared with 3.2% for large companies and 2.9% overall. They generate 23% of total private sector revenue and their contribution to the UK economy is estimated to be over £300 billion GVA (gross value added). Looking ahead, the majority (82%) of MSBs expect the UK economy to improve over the next 12 months and 88% expect their own business situation to improve. John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said: “MSBs contribute more than £300 billion to the economy. With better access to a range of growth finance options, improved training and research support, and help to break into new exports markets - these firms could be worth an extra £20 billion to our economy by 2020.” INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH Few could argue that Solidor is the fastest growing composite door manufacturer in the UK, with volumes now up to an incredible 850 doors per week and with the company continuing to invest in the growth on a monthly basis. The impressive growth of the Solidor brand shows no sign of slowing down, with a 7th CNC machining centre now on order as the 6th one is just being commissioned. Over the last year the company has invested over £750,000 in capital equipment, along with introduction of 20 new members of staff, bringing the total to 114. Manufacturing equipment purchased includes 3 CNC machining centres, a new extraction plant, door frame router, vacuum former, cassette curing oven, high capacity edgebander, CNC corner cleaner and profile saw. Similarly investment has been made on the distribution side with 3 new new wagons, low loader vehicles, bar code scanning for production and new warehouse racking. One of the most interesting investments has been the introduction of wood burning heaters, which harness the off cuts from the solid hardwood cores that are part of Solidor’s unique composite door make up. Vist www.solidor.co.uk, call 01782 847300 or e-mail [email protected]. Follow @solidorltd on Twitter or look it up on Facebook. Parent company in ‘most inspirational companies’ list The London Stock Exchange Group has published the book, “1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain” – and Liniar’s parent company, Flamstead Holdings Ltd is delighted to be included in the list, which comprises the most inspiring small and medium sized companies in the UK. All of the companies included demonstrated a positive growth in revenue, employee numbers, workspace, contract wins and/ or patent filings over the last four years. The growth of the Liniar brand, owned by Flamstead’s trading company HL Plastics Ltd, has been a remarkable success story – from an industry that had, until 2008, seen little innovation for many years. Manufacturing PVCu profile for windows, doors and glazed roofs at its plastic extrusion factory in Derbyshire, Roger To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com Hartshorn and his team designed the innovative Liniar window system from scratch, building the latest technology into every possible design aspect. Liniar inventor and Flamstead Managing Director Roger Hartshorn commented: “We’re delighted to be recognised in this inaugural list as a forwardthinking company that has helped to generate job creation since the financial crisis began. Being described as one of the UK’s most vibrant companies is testament to the hard work put in by the whole team at Liniar.” The full list of companies can be found at www.1000companies. com. For Liniar visit www.liniar. co.uk. JAN 2014 75