The North East and North Yorkshire are distinct regions with a shared commercial DNA, shaped by industrial heritage, coastal connectivity and a pragmatic business culture.

In our latest insight, Harry Thorniley-Walker presents the top 300 fastest-growing companies across the region and examines what sits behind that growth. The report highlights where momentum is building by sub-region and sector, and what the data suggests for regional M&A, including where opportunity is emerging as markets adjust to a more uncertain backdrop.

This report shines a light on the region’s successful adaptation, celebrating fast-growing businesses and the contribution they are making to both the regional economy and the M&A market.
Harry Thorniley-Walker Associate Director, Grant Thornton

At a glance

21% of M&A activity is technology 

Manufacturing anchors the region– 65 companies employing over 33,000 people 

158% EBITDA growth for Teesside 

Fast-growth concentration remains population led 

Profits are rising faster than revenue 

Across the top 300, the strongest signal isn't just growth, it's profit conversion. EBITDA growth is outpacing turnover growth across several regions, while employment is rising more slowly, pointing to tighter cost control and improving productivity. The pattern is clearest in Teesside, which delivered EBITDA growth of 157.9% against turnover growth of 50.6%, a clear sign of margin expansion. County Durham follows a similar route, with EBITDA growth of 97.0% against turnover growth of 37.0%.

Sector performance shows clear winners, and one pressure point

The report shows a clear split between sectors converting demand into profit and those under strain. Manufacturing remains the backbone, with 65 companies employing more than 33,000 people and delivering healthy revenue and EBITDA growth. Business services, education/third sector, and energy and environment also show revenue and EBITDA rising together, indicating demand-led expansion supported by cost control. Construction is the pressure point, and the only sector reporting negative EBITDA growth (-13.5%), consistent with sustained margin pressure.

Resilient M&A activity

M&A activity has proven resilient. Deal volumes surged in 2024 as sellers moved ahead of anticipated changes to capital gains tax, eased back in 2025, but held above 2023 levels despite tariffs, geopolitical tension and closer investor scrutiny. 

With £190 billion of private equity dry powder still waiting to be deployed, expect that resilience to continue, with financial and professional services, industrials, aerospace and defence, and digitally enabled asset management best placed to benefit.

The North East Fast Growth Report

The North East Fast Growth Report

Download the report [2507 kb]

About our team

Since joining Grant Thornton in 2017, I've advised public and private companies, private equity houses and management teams on a wide range of transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, fundraisings and exits. Having recently joined the North East corporate finance team, I bring this breadth of experience to support clients across the region, helping them achieve their strategic growth and transaction objectives.
Harry Thorniley-Walker
Associate Director, Corporate Finance