Sussex’s 2025 success: Growth, grit and global reach
This year’s Sussex LTD. report spotlights the county’s 100 largest privately owned companies, which together generated £6.2 billion in turnover. With EBITDA reaching £498 million and average pay climbing over 5%, nearly 23,000 employees are driving impressive growth. Manufacturing leads the charge, contributing 37% of total turnover, followed by the consumer sector at 29%, reflecting a dynamic and diverse business landscape.
Dive into the full report to discover the stories behind the numbers and what they reveal about the future of business in Sussex.
What’s inside the Sussex LTD. report?
We’ve analysed the 100 largest privately-owned companies in Sussex, ranked by turnover. Our review focuses on two key metrics over the past three years:
- growth in turnover; and
- average EBITDA (earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation, tax) margin.
We also spotlight businesses with international reach, offering deeper insight into Sussex’s dynamic and diverse business landscape.
What’s driving Sussex’s success?
Sussex’s top 100 privately-owned companies have delivered a combined turnover of £6.2 billion—up 14.5% from last year. But what’s behind the numbers?
From manufacturing powerhouses to consumer sector champions, the report uncovers the sectors, towns, and trends shaping the region’s economic future.
Who came out on top?
Want to know which town leads in turnover? Or which sector employs the most people?
Sussex LTD. at a glance
Sussex LTD. 2025
Discover who made the list and gain fresh insights into the companies shaping Sussex's economic future
The report uses the most recent publicly available accounts (as of July 2025). It includes businesses that are privately owned and headquartered in Sussex, excluding listed companies, overseas subsidiaries, and charities.
Manufacturing and consumer sectors are the biggest contributors, with turnover of £2.3 billion and £1.8 billion respectively. The report also explores growth in technology, healthcare, real estate, and more.
Brighton features the most businesses in the top 100, while Crawley leads in total turnover at £822 million. The report highlights other rising business hubs across the county.
Yes - this year’s report spotlights the 15 largest international subsidiaries operating in Sussex, which together generate over £3.7bn in turnover.
