If your business has been experiencing remarkable turnover growth, you’re in the right place to explore your eligibility for the Fast Growth 50 Awards. However, even if your business’s growth story is not primarily based on turnover, we have awards tailored to celebrate your unique journey.
Discover Eligibility
Since the Fast Growth 50 was started in 1999, the 720 firms that have appeared on the twenty five lists are estimated to have created around 65,000 jobs and to have generated £38 billion into the Welsh economy, much of which is spent on local goods and services.
Collectively, they generated a turnover of £880 million in 2022 and over three years, they grew by an average of 208 per cent, a record for the Wales Fast Growth 50. And for the first time in twenty-five years, all fifty firms have grown by more than 100% to make the 2023 list. Not only do these firms employ over 4,000 people but they have created over 2,000 new jobs in just two years at a time when employment in Wales has remained flat
The sectors with the most growth firms in 2023 are construction and building services, consumer products, and business to business services. There continue to be an increase in the number of technology and digital businesses on the lists and green oriented companies but for the first time since the Fast Growth 50 was established, there are no manufacturing firms featured this year.
Fast growing firms were to be found in sixteen Welsh local authority areas with Cardiff being the main growth hotspot in Wales – fifteen firms are based in the capital city. The Valleys authority of RCT is also a major growth hotspot with five firms on the list this year, the same number as Swansea, with four fast growth firms located in Bridgend and Caerphilly.
Au Vodka, and all of the fast growth 50 firms on this year’s list, demonstrate not only the diversity and variety of scaleup businesses in Wales but also the impact they are having in their sectors at home and abroad, and all are shining examples of Welsh entrepreneurship at its best.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Founder Fast Growth 50 said:
“As the awards that Welsh businesses want to win more than any other, the Wales Fast Growth 50 serves as a benchmark for growth and innovation in the private sector.
But the Wales Fast Growth 50 is more than just a list of successful companies; it is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and a catalyst for business growth and innovation across Wales. By recognising the achievements of these scale-up companies every year, the Fast Growth 50 is not only highlighting individual business success but providing valuable insights and inspiration for the broader business community.”
This year’s Wales Fast Growth 50 list is in partnership with UBS, the world’s leading and truly global wealth manager.
Mark Goddard, Head of UK Regions at UBS Global Wealth Management said:
“Business owners and entrepreneurs are the engine of our economy, and UBS has a long history advising and connecting them on each stage of their wealth journey, helping them to unlock their potential. Led by entrepreneurial spirit and often solving some of the UK’s biggest issues, the level of talent and innovation uncovered through this year’s list shows that more needs to be done to support small businesses to strengthen local economies and give back to the local community. As the lead sponsor of this year’s Fast Growth 50, UBS is looking forward to following and supporting these businesses as they go from strength to strength.”
Au Vodka is unique brand producing flavoured vodkas and distinctive bottles. With a focus on ultra-premium quality, strategic social media engagement, and top talent investment, the brand aims to become Wales’ first unicorn company.
