The UK’s fastest-growing businesses will be revealed at an awards ceremony in Newport later this month. The UK Fast Growth Index Awards 2026, which will be held at the ICC Wales on October 22nd, will celebrate companies driving growth, creating jobs and strengthening economies across the UK.
A programme with a proud Welsh heritage
The awards final marks another milestone for a programme that began as the Wales Fast Growth 50 in 1999 and has since expanded throughout the UK. Sponsored by UBS, the world’s largest wealth manager, for the last four years, the programme showcases the economic contribution of Britain’s most ambitious businesses.
The 350 firms featured in the 2025 index increased their combined turnover from £4.2bn in 2022 to £11.8bn in 2024, adding £7.6bn in sales over two years and achieving growth of 182%.
Scale-ups: a small group with a big impact
Their performance reflects the wider importance of scale-up businesses. According to UK Government analysis, scale-ups represent just 0.8% of the business population but account for 25% of turnover and 14% of employment. Across the UK, these businesses employ 3.9 million people, demonstrating the substantial economic contribution of a relatively small group of firms.
The index identifies the 50 fastest-growing businesses across seven nations and regions: Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, London, the north of England, the south of England, the Midlands and the east of England. It also recognises the UK’s top 200 fastest-growing firms and the top firms in each of the UK’s key sectors.
National winner to be announced on the night
The UK’s fastest-growing company will be announced on the night, alongside sector and regional winners, bringing together founders, business leaders and investors. In 2025, Smart Energy Homes was recognised as the fastest growing business in Wales.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, founder of the Fast Growth Index, said: “When I established the Wales Fast Growth 50 in 1999, the aim was to celebrate entrepreneurial businesses making an exceptional contribution to the Welsh economy and demonstrate that Wales had companies capable of outstanding growth.
“To see that initiative expand across the whole of the UK is something of which I am immensely proud. Bringing the national final to Wales showcases our entrepreneurial ambition while welcoming businesses shaping the future of the UK economy.
“Last year’s additional £7.6bn in sales demonstrates why scale-up firms matter. These businesses invest in people and innovation, create employment and generate opportunities for suppliers and communities throughout the country.
“It is encouraging to see policymakers now recognising the importance of scale-up businesses, something the Fast Growth 50 has championed in Wales since 1999 and the challenge now is to ensure that support reaches every ambitious firm across the economy that wants to grow.
“If we want a more prosperous UK, more entrepreneurs must have access to the finance, talent and support needed to grow and celebrating their achievements gives others the confidence to raise their ambitions.”
