Opinion 22 2024: 15 Strongdor, Morecambe
Founded in 2008, Strongdor makes a range of standard and bespoke steel doors including fire exits, security-rated doors and acoustic doors. In 2020 the company moved into a 42,000 sq ft purpose-built facility which more than doubled its manufacturing capacity and in 2023 it launched the Strongdor Innovation Centre staffed by engineers, designers and project managers working to turn ideas into market-ready solutions. Last year its head office team moved to a new office in Morecambe.
The Lancashire Business View Hot 100 offers a valuable snapshot of the region’s most profitable SMEs, showcasing the strength and diversity of the local economy. This year’s list highlights businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, food production, leisure, and professional services, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a challenging economic climate.
A key observation is the strong performance of regionally rooted, often family-owned businesses. Many have achieved impressive profitability with lean teams, suggesting high operational efficiency and strategic clarity.
From Napthens’ perspective, several legal and strategic themes emerge. Succession planning is increasingly important, particularly for long-
21 New entry Sheet Piling UK, Preston
Sheet Piling is a leading specialist in driven steel sheet piling, providing its comprehensive services across the UK. Established in November 2012, it offers permanent and temporary installations for a range of applications, in-house design solutions for both temporary and permanent works, vibration-free piling methods for sensitive environments and marine and land piling, providing solutions for coastal, river and land-based projects.
19 New entry Wyder Engineered Timber, Preston
Wyder specialises in the design, manufacture, and supply of engineered timber products for the construction industry. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including the provision of I-joist flooring systems and bespoke timber solutions. Its customers include major housebuilders and its manufacturing facility in Whittingham, near Preston, has recently been upgraded.
20 2024: 29 FX Leisure, Leyland
FX Leisure operates seven gyms under the Gymetc brand and a leisure facility in Warrington operating as Athelis. FX Leisure offers a comprehensive range of facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, spa and various exercise classes. Its membership numbers once again increased across the year and now exceed 27,000.
18 2024: 21 Castle Industrial, Carnforth
Castle is a supplier of packaging products and services, helping businesses optimise their
Juta UK, Lytham St Annes
Juta UK develops, produces and distributes specialist materials for the construction sector. Its Titantech range includes membranes for the gas protection, structural waterproofing and civil and containment engineering sectors. The Juta brand was established in 1946.
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established businesses preparing for generational transitions. Growth through acquisition is another trend, requiring careful legal navigation around due diligence, compliance, and integration.
Employment law and workforce planning are also critical, especially for businesses scaling quickly or operating in competitive labour markets. Meanwhile, investment in commercial property and infrastructure continues to underpin expansion strategies, with legal considerations around planning, environmental impact, and governance playing a central role.
The Hot 100 reflects a region full of ambition and capability. At Napthens, we support Lancashire’s businesses with the legal insight and strategic guidance needed to navigate growth, manage risk, and plan for the future.
packaging operations, improve load stability, reduce plastic usage and drive operational efficiency. Its expertise spans a full range of packaging solutions, from sustainable materials to machinery. It also offers services including warehousing, inventory management and audits. Castle generated £21.13m turnover and had total assets of £15.06m.
17 2024: 19 Simpsons Beverages, Blackpool
Simpsons develops, formulates, manufactures and supplies flavours for the drinks industry, serving customers including milkshake manufacturers, distilleries, breweries, bottlers and canning companies. The business began with William Herbert Simpson selling fruit squashes door-to-door in 1934. His family continue to run the business, with a board of directors made up entirely of Simpson family members. It exports to 30 countries.
16 2024: 13
GAUGING OUR BUSINESS STRENGTH By Jamie Allison,
Partner, head of cumbria and real estate at Napthens
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HOT 100
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