This is the third report of its kind published by the London Stock Exchange Group and it shows some interesting trends emerging.
Xavier Rolet, chief executive, London Stock Exchange Group said, "Our report shows more high-growth firms coming from outside London, with 8% fewer companies coming from London compared with last year. Continually strong UK sectors such as IT, telecommunications and the creative industries remain exceptionally well represented.
"High growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need. But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance."
SSE Hire was established 40 years ago in 1976 as a rental company based in the Midlands. With the acquisition of Canegreen and Wigwam Acoustics in recent years, SSE Audio Group has become the largest professional audio service provider in the UK. The Group provides audio systems for tours and one off events, with clients such as Coldplay and One Direction; it installs systems into a variety of venues ranging from places of worship to arenas and stadia, including venues such as the London O2 Arena, Hammersmith Apollo and the London Palladium; and through its sales operation, it supplies everything from a single microphone to a full PA system.
John Penn, SSE Audio Group MD and company founder said, "As we celebrate our 40th anniversary as a business this year, it's great to be recognised in such a prestigious report. We were unaware about this award until we were notified about it - we didn't submit any information - this was compiled by people examining our filed accounts at Companies House and comparing our results with other firms.
"What pleases us about this is that, while we have won accolades for the quality of our work from every sector that we work in, we have now also been recognised as a successful business!"
John Penn continued, "Over the last four decades, we have seen our sector grow from a barely recognised adjunct to youth culture that struggled to get support from the banks, to a vibrant part of the UK creative industries that are recognised throughout the world and contribute significantly to the UK economy.
"SSE Audio Group could not have achieved its growth and success without the skills, dedication and professionalism of our 100-strong staff plus the numerous freelance crews who work with us regularly."
SSE Audio Group is based in Redditch in the West Midlands, with offices and warehousing covering 35,000 sq ft. The Group also has offices and warehouses in London and the North of England, wholly owns Subsidiaries, Melpomen SA and MES Eclaires in France (audio and lighting companies respectively) and is a partner with US-based Sound Image in United Audio Companies (UAC), a collaboration to provide transatlantic support to touring productions.
Over the last 12 months, SSE Audio Group has picked up a number of prestigious industry awards, including: Best Permanent Installation at the Pro Sound Awards 2015; Best Product: Hospitality at the Install Awards 2015; Best Sound Company at the Event Production Awards 2015; Best Sound at the Festival Supplier Awards 2016.
(Jim Evans)
