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THE BIG20


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Vintrex, Darwen The group is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of e-liquids and vaping hardware. It operates in the UK and internationally in specialist vape retailers, distributors, supermarkets, convenience stores and e-commerce platforms. Its flagship brand is Vampire Vape which contributed to its strong performance. It employs close to 370 people.


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Chesnara, Preston Chesnara was formed in 2004 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It initially consisted of Countrywide Assured, a closed life and pensions book demerged from Countrywide plc, a large estate agency group. It specialises in life assurance and pension consolidation in the UK and the Netherlands. As of June 2025, it was managing £14bn in assets and serves 930,000 policyholders.


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#RRA26 Expert View


GLOBAL AMBITION WITH LOCAL STRENGTH By Dean Rodgers,


Accounts and advisory director PM+M Chubb Fire and Security, Blackburn


The latest rankings of Lancashire’s biggest companies by sales and profit paint a fascinating picture of its economic landscape.


Collectively, the top 20 businesses generated over £30bn in sales revenue, a staggering figure that underscores the county’s commercial strength.


However, this headline number comes with an important caveat: a significant share belongs to EG Group, the global convenience and forecourt giant headquartered in Blackburn. Their scale demonstrates a key truth – if you can sell in Lancashire, you can sell around the world.


Beyond EG Group, the sales list is dominated by large national firms with deep roots in the region. These businesses not only drive revenue but also sustain employment, with 88,287 people working across the top 20 companies – almost half of them at EG Group alone.


Interestingly, some firms reported losses during the period, yet their continued investment and presence highlight their commitment to Lancashire’s economy.


The profit rankings tell a slightly different story. While national brands feature prominently,


there’s a refreshing presence of local enterprises delivering impressive margins.


This mix spans industries from logistics to food production, showcasing the diversity of Lancashire’s business base. Notably, seven of the 20 most profitable firms are based in Blackburn, reinforcing the town’s status as a powerhouse of enterprise.


Longevity also stands out: half of the top 20 profit-makers have been trading for over two decades, with James Hall & Co, incorporated in 1979, exemplifying resilience and adaptability. Together, these profitable businesses employ 31,983 people, proving that success isn’t just about scale, it’s about sustainable growth.


What do these lists tell us? Lancashire combines global ambition with local strength. Large multinationals bring scale and visibility, while homegrown firms deliver profitability and stability.


This dual dynamic is vital for the region’s future: nurturing local champions while supporting global players ensures Lancashire remains a thriving hub for innovation, employment, and economic contribution.


Views and commentary are based on the last filed publicly available accounts for the companies listed.


6 Leyland Trucks, Leyland


Leyland Trucks, a subsidiary of US automotive group PACCAR since 1998, has its assembly plant in the town that gives it its name. The site spans approximately one million sq ft and employs around 946 people, including 120 design engineers. It produces DAF Trucks and reported a solid performance in 2024, with its market share climbing up to 15.8 per cent in the last quarter. It also delivered the first series of new DAF electric trucks to customers.


Chubb Fire and Security is the UK’s leading security and fire alarm company. It has been delivering fire safety and security solutions for more than 200 years. From its Blackburn headquarters it provides products and services to businesses across a variety of industries in a broad spread of global locations. These range from fire extinguishers and CCTV systems to inspections, risk assessments and remote monitoring.


7 10 CLdN Roro Holding, Morecambe


This is the UK arm of Luxembourg-based logistics group CLdN, founded in 1929. The Heysham operation focuses on roll-on / roll-off (RoRo) freight shipping, linking the UK with Ireland and continental Europe. It operates a fleet of more than 30 RoRo vessels and 15 terminals. The UK subsidiary supports CLdN’s growing Irish Sea services, which include frequent sailings between Heysham, Dublin, and other European ports.


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Victrex, Thornton Cleveleys Victrex is a specialist in high-performance polymer solutions. Founded in 1993, following a management buyout from ICI, it listed on the


8 Safran Nacelles, Burnley


A world leader in aerospace, Safran Nacelles has operated in Burnley for more than 70 years, specialising in design, composites, sheet metal, thrust reversers and nacelle assembly, servicing aircraft such as Airbus A330 or A320neo and Comac C919. The company is making a transition towards being ‘a sheet metal centre of excellence’. It employs 696 people and it focuses on aerospace component innovation, factory upgrades and sustainability measures.


London Stock Exchange in 1995. It has more than 1,100 employees and serves automotive, aerospace, energy, industrial, electronic and medical markets. It exports to more than 40 countries and 98 per cent of revenue comes from sales outside the UK.


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