The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 38: Autumn 2025 | Page 38

BATH ' S TOP 40 BUSINESSES
Working with S & P Global Market Intelligence, TBE brings you Bath’ s Top 40 businesses ranked by turnover reflecting a diverse and dynamic local economy, but the data also reveals the strain many are feeling in today’ s financial climate.
Revenue trends Despite economic uncertainty, several firms posted strong growth. Buro Happold LLP saw a 23.8 % revenue rise, and Wessex Water grew by 10.5 %, showing resilience in infrastructure and engineering. These sectors often benefit from long-term investment and public contracts. On the flip side, consumer-facing brands like Lovehoney and Mulberry experienced revenue declines, highlighting the impact of cautious consumer spending and inflationary pressures. Profitability pressures Profit margins are under pressure across the board. Future plc saw a 32.3 % drop in profit, while Mulberry Group plc swung from a healthy profit into the red. This sharp reversal underscores the challenges facing retail and fashion, including rising costs and shifting demand.
Sector strengths IT and Engineering continue to show consistent growth, aligning with national trends in digital transformation and infrastructure investment. Celebrating local business In a challenging economic environment, it’ s important to celebrate our local businesses and their contribution to the community. From job creation to innovation, these firms are the backbone of Bath’ s economy— adapting, evolving, and continuing to make an impact.
Ranking
Company Name
Revenue Last avail. Year £’ 000
Revenue Previous Year
£’ 000 YoY %
Profit Last avail. Year £’ 000
Profit Previous avail. Year £’ 000 YoY %
1
Future plc Digital and magazine publishers
788,200
788,900
-0.1
76,800
113,400
( 32.3)
2
Rotork plc Acuator manufacturer and flow control company
754,428
719,150
4.9
103,585
113,135
( 8.4)
3
Wessex Water Limited Regional water board
598,800
541,800
10.5
-16,100
-25,700
37.4
4
Buro Happold LLP Design & advisory to property and construction sectors
363,000
293,285
23.8
38,408
30,279
26.8
5
Inspecs Group Plc Design and manufacture of eyewear
198,258
203,292
-2.5
-4,608
-997
( 362.2)
6
Mulberry Group plc Fashion company known for its leather goods
152,844
159,129
-3.9
-33,505
13,243
( 353.0)
7
BMT Defence Services Ltd Defence services
128,432
108,299
18.6
14,378
10,346
39.0
8
Lovehoney Limited Online sex toy retailer
101,241
121,813
-16.9
10,657
25,500
( 58.2)
9
Cross Manufacturing Company( 1938) Ltd Manufacture of fabricated metals
71,495
67,879
5.3
7,235
6,495
11.4
10
Integrity Print Print production and direct mail specialists
66,173
61,167
8.2
824
908
( 9.3)
11
Curo Enterprise Limited Housing association and house builder
58,744
57,923
1
3,523
7,112
( 50)
12
London & Country Mortgages Limited Mortgages and financial broking
53,677
64,562
-16.9
-1,789
-312
( 474.0)
13
RWK Goodman Legal services provider
50,353
52,982
-5.0
13,059
14,596
( 10.5)
14
Horstman Defence Systems Ltd Designs and manufactures vehicles suspension components
42,866
30,744
39.4
6,371
2,941
116.6
15
Novia Financial plc( Known as Wealthtime) Platform-based wealth management service
39,182
42,228
-7.2
-6,987
1,785
( 491.4)
16
Time Finance plc Providers of equipment lease rental finance
33,050
26,816
23.2
4,444
3,447
28.9
17
CEPS PLC Manufacture and distribution of protection equipment
31,558
29,675
6
580
556
4
18
Stone King LLP Legal services provider
27,674
23,711
16.7
8,220
6,962
18.1
19
Curious Universe Selling arts, crafts, books and toys
26,490
27,727
-4
2,299
1,956
18
20
Play Sports Network Runs sports and lifestyle video channels online
24,073
21,929
10
-9,436
-7,506
( 26)
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