news
The SME Export Track 100 league table
Britain’s small and medium-sized companies with the fastest growing international sales over the past two years
Solent
A spin-out company from Southampton University that manufactures detection equipment has become one of the UK’s most successful SME export stories of the year.
Symetrica designs and makes hand-held detectors that can identify materials used in dirty bombs.
The company, formed in 2002 and now with a staff of some 60 people, sells to customs and border agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security. Its patented technology is currently used in drive-through scanners at ports across the world.
Under chief executive Heddwyn Davies, exports rose to almost £9.8m in 2017 (from total sales of £10.8m), with 92% destined for the US. Sales growth over two years was 132%, putting the firm in 15th place in the UK table.
The latest listing follows last year’s top 50 placing in the annual Tech Track 100 table – “confirming our high technology and high growth” said the company, stating its main aim as supporting customs officers, first responders and military users with an innovative range of radiation detection products for homeland security.
Only one other company from the Solent area made the SME Export Track table –
Fareham-based TouchNetix gaining 43rd place.
Founded in 2010, the company designs touchscreens for industrial, medical and agricultural equipment. Its major clients include names such as Philips and Siemens, and its products include a saltwater-resistant screen for marine environments.
Its designs are made by partners in Korea, China and a British-owned factory in Oxfordshire. With Germany its biggest overseas market, exports rose to £4.8m last year (from total sales of £5.2m). Export sales growth over the two years was almost 74%.
Under managing director Chris Ard, the Hampshire firm – which attained its success with a small staff of just 11 – plans to expand into the automotive sector this year. In March it demonstrated its latest multi-finger force sensing touchscreens at a major exhibition in Nuremburg.
Thomas Anthony Commercial Accountancy Services Ltd
Support for SMEs
Providing an independent and flexible Finance Business Partner solution to SMEs across the Thames Valley.
• Supporting business owners to achieve strategic goals
• Business finance planning to support growth and funding applications
• Financial health checks to identify and implement cost efficiencies
• Building long-range financial plans with supporting commercial and financial commentary
• Implementing processes to deliver management information
• Attendance at Board Meetings to present management information
• Cashflow reviews and management
• Guidance and support for in-house finance staff
Get in touch:
07977 146670
tracey@thomasanthonycas.co.uk www.thomasanthonycas.co.uk
* The Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 table is compiled annually by Fast Track.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – MAY/JUNE 2018
businessmag.co.uk 5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
