But the good news is only relevant to 31 out of the UK’s largest 100 companies. “These 31 companies are setting themselves apart from the other major players, who look tired by comparison,” said David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll.
In the past four years, the 31 companies have increased sales by 46%, improved profits by 161% and grown staff levels by 19%.
“You don’t pull in financial results like this, over such a length of time, by accident. They are telling us something about the direction of the market, a sort of elite resurgence,” said Mr Pattison.
Results for the other 69 of the Top 100 UK companies are not so healthy. In the past four years they have increased sales by just 14%, profits have remained unchanged and staff numbers have fallen by 1%.
Mr Pattison said that the 31 to performers were primed for a period of growth, but that 51 companies would have their work cut out to get their principal business on a firm financial footing while the remaining 18 companies were facing financial distress.
