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York Business School reveals top performing companies across North Yorkshire for the first time 

Published: 01 July 2024

  •   Featured
Groups of people in business attire chatting at tables

York St John University’s Business School and York Press have launched their first ever index of top performing businesses across York and North Yorkshire. This marks a new era for the well-respected Top 100, as the 2024 list expands to include success across the region.  

It showcases North Yorkshire’s most significant businesses and celebrates the contribution they make to the local economy. The list is more diverse than ever, providing a unique insight into the region’s largest employers and wide range of successful enterprises, with everything from finance to theme parks featured.  

The index is compiled by Doug Meikle, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance, using detailed analysis of each business including data from turnover, profit, growth, and staff numbers. It was revealed at a special event in Temple Hall on the York St John campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk. Representatives of key businesses joined city leaders and business support organisations for the launch of the 6th publication of the list and the official awards.  

Taking the number one spot is Drax Group PLC, which owns and operates the UK’s biggest power station, Drax in Selby. When the power station opened 50 years ago, it used coal to generate electricity, but to support the UK's goal to decarbonise its grid, Drax transitioned the site to biomass generation with its final two remaining coal units shutting permanently last year. 

The rest of the top 5 was rounded out as follows: 

  • Drax PLC 
  • Yara UK – a Pocklington-based fertilizer firm 
  • Cawingredients - soft drinks manufacturer from Leeming Bar, Northallerton 
  • Pavers - family shoe firm from York 
  • Sedamyl UK – a wheat-processing agribusiness based in Selby  

Dr Rebecca Biggins, Associate Dean, York Business School said: “This year, to reflect the new York and North Yorkshire combined authority and the growing economy in and around York, we have decided to expand the postcode area taken into consideration to reflect this expanded area.  

“This change means that many new and exciting businesses from the region have entered this list, bringing more diversity than ever before. We recognise that the Top 100 list will spark much debate and discussion among the business community of York, North Yorkshire and beyond, but above all else it is important to note that the businesses included in the list should be showcased and celebrated for the role they each play as key contributors to the local business landscape.” 

Bruce Heppenstall, plant director at Drax Power Station, said: "It is an honour to be included among the top 100 businesses in York and North Yorkshire. In its 50th year of operation, we are proud to be recognised for the many roles that Drax Power Station plays both regionally and nationally.  

"We are an important source of UK energy security. Through Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) we plan to play a key part in meeting the country's net zero targets. We employ over 1,000 people at the site in high-skilled jobs and we are an important source of local economic growth.” 

Dr Brendan Paddison, Interim Dean of York Business School said: “York Business School is strategically positioned to play a key role in supporting business growth and harnessing workforce potential through collaborative partnerships. Our team of expert, industry-focused academics are poised to assist businesses in finding practical and innovative solutions that pave the way for continued growth and sustainable development.  

“In this spirit of collaboration, we are delighted to partner with York Press on this expanded Top 100 list that celebrates business success beyond York for the first time . 
 
“The York and North Yorkshire Top 100 provides a valuable insight into the economic infrastructure of the area, and we hope that it will stimulate interest and debate and become a much-anticipated feature of business life in the region.” 

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