Meet Kent’s 50 fastest growing businesses
It’s truly inspiring to celebrate the incredible success of Kent’s thriving businesses –especially in these challenging economic times.
As any business owner can attest the past few years have presented many obstacles to growth. We’ve navigated through a change of government, fluctuating interest rates and energy costs, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. Yet, despite these challenges many of Kent’s businesses have stayed resilient and achieved remarkable growth rates.
In March, we had the pleasure of hosting Kent’s 50 fastest-growing, privately-owned businesses at a special breakfast held at the Tudor Park Country Club near Maidstone. This event celebrated their outstanding achievements as part of the 2026 MegaGrowth 50. Driven by determination, guided by sharp business acumen, and supported by incredible teams, these businesses have seen impressive growth in turnover over the past four years. It was truly rewarding to honour their hard work and commend them for their well-deserved success. Such success has been achieved through various means, some earning their place on the list by excelling in niche markets and some by embracing new technologies and processes.
A common theme amongst many of the businesses listed in the MegaGrowth 50 is that their skilled and dedicated people have often been the key to the growth they have recorded.
Now in its 22nd year, MegaGrowth 50 is proudly presented by accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves and leading law firm Brachers. It is staged in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and delivered under license from the KM Media Group.
James Bullock, Head of Corporate and Commercial at Brachers, said: “MegaGrowth 50 continues to highlight the strength of Kent’s business community. It’s inspiring to see that more than half of the ranked companies are family-owned and run – a true reflection of the county’s entrepreneurial spirit. At the same time, every business featured deserves recognition for achieving rapid growth in a challenging
economic climate. It takes bold leadership, strategic thinking and innovation to scale at pace, and we commend all those featured for their outstanding achievements.”
Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner at Kreston Reeves, commented: “Kent’s business community is showing incredible resilience and ambition in the face of change. Rising costs and regulatory pressures haven’t slowed progress, in fact, they’ve sparked innovation. From digital transformation to sustainability, local companies are not just adapting; they’re setting the pace for growth and shaping the future of our region. MegaGrowth 50 is a testament to this spirit. These businesses represent the very best of Kent: adaptable, forward-thinking and committed to creating opportunities. As we look ahead to emerging sectors like green technology, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation, it’s clear that Kent is not only ready for the future, it’s leading it.”
Tudor Price, Chief Executive at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is proud to continue its longstanding support of MegaGrowth 50, celebrating Kent’s business community and championing local growth. It was a delight to meet some of the successful businesses at the awards presentation, which pleasingly included several of our members. The MegaGrowth 50 businesses are a great success story for our county, demonstrating that Kent remains a prime hotspot for doing business in the UK. The Chamber is always here to support and advise local businesses through the opportunities and challenges that come with a fast-growth journey. We hope, consequently, that many more of our members will earn a place in this prestigious ranking in the years to come.”
Photography by Matthew Walker
MegaGrowth 50 qualifying criteria
MegaGrowth 50 is an annual ranking of Kent’s fastest-growing businesses. The performance table is put together based on the average turnover growth of privately owned businesses that have a minimum turnover of £1 million, as stipulated in their full accounts registered at Companies House across the last four years. High performing companies who do not file full accounts, but meet the criteria, can also apply to be considered for inclusion.
A year of diverse growth, from foundations to fields
This year’s MegaGrowth 50 once again showcases the strength and diversity of Kent’s economy. Construction and building services businesses remain key drivers of growth across the county. However, the farming and horticulture sectors, particularly fruit growers, are demonstrating impressive turnover increases this year, highlighting the longstanding importance of Kent’s rural economy.
Building momentum
Construction and building services remains the strongest-performing sector. This consistent growth reflects the significant volume of both commercial and residential property development taking place across Kent, underpinned by the government’s ongoing commitment to expanding national housing stock.
“It’s impressive to see that six of the top ten businesses are in the construction and building services sector. Notably, 30% of this year’s MegaGrowth 50 businesses are operating in this sector,” comments Jennifer Williamson, Partner and Head of Real Estate at Kreston Reeves.
“Companies like Kingsheath Construction (271.6%) and Primech Building Services (227.2%) have shown remarkable growth, underlining the strength of both residential and commercial development across Kent. This level of performance highlights the sector’s resilience and its essential contribution to meeting both current and future housing and infrastructure demands across the county.”
Agriculture and horticulture in full bloom
Agriculture has emerged as one of the most notable success stories this year. Both farming and horticulture businesses have delivered strong growth, with fruit growers in particular showing exceptional progress.
Sarah Gaines, Joint Head of Agriculture at Brachers and a Director at Kent County Agricultural Society, comments: “It is wonderful to see the level of growth across Kent’s agricultural sector, which now represents 12%
Sector performance
of the list compared with just 4% last year. This is the biggest uplift across all sectors, and much of that success is driven by fruitgrowing businesses such as Clock House Farm, Rumwood Green Farm and A.C. Goatham & Son, which have shown outstanding growth. Some are appearing in the ranking for the very first time, which is a real testament to their innovation, resilience and ability to adapt to challenging market and environmental conditions. Agriculture and horticulture remain at the heart of Kent’s identity, and their contribution continues to be a key part of the county’s rural and economic landscape.”
Retail in transition
While this year sees fewer retail, wholesale and distribution businesses represented in the MegaGrowth 50, the sector continues to evolve in response to shifting consumer behaviour and wider economic pressures. High streets and independent retailers have faced a challenging landscape, but many are using this period to rethink their strategies, strengthen customer engagement and refine their operational models.
Retail remains a central part of Kent’s economy, and as consumer confidence slowly returns, many businesses will be well placed to take advantage of improving conditions.
Note: Some businesses are operating in more than one sector
2026 2025
No.1 Kingsheath Construction Ltd
271.6% Bredhurst Sector: Building Services
Established in 2018, Kingsheath Construction is a leading groundworks, civil engineering, demolition and reinforced concrete frame contractor. It takes pride in exceeding expectations using the latest technology, solid construction principles, and outstanding health and safety standards.
The business offers demolition services for commercial, industrial, and residential projects as well as post demolition site clearance and remediation. It also offers a full range of ground work and earthwork services.
Kingsheath has a specialist division focused on the construction of reinforced concrete sub-structures
and superstructures and it also has broad experience of delivering complex highways and civil engineering projects.
Managing Director, Jamie Pike, was delighted at taking the top spot in this year’s MegaGrowth 50. He commented, “We are very proud of our achievements in an extremely challenging market.
Finishing first this year, in a list of very well respected companies, provides us with great satisfaction and will no doubt motivate us to excel further. Our sustained growth is testament to our team and their constant hard work and dedication. We continue to evolve bringing innovation and expertise to our clients.”
No.2 S.C.A. - Shipping Consultants
Sector: Logistics and Fuel Retail
S.C.A. is a global supplier of defence logistics working for international organisations, governments, military forces, and naval vessels. It has attended over 15,000 military port calls in more than 450 ports worldwide since its inception in 2000.
Its heritage is anchored in naval-military port services, logistics and supplies for military and coastguard vessels. Now its capabilities extend to managing diverse operations, including life support, aviation logistics, fuel supply, cargo handling, and supporting humanitarian missions.
S.C.A’s fuel supply service has completed over 3,000 fuel deliveries across the globe in the past decade – often under tight deadlines and complex conditions.
The team at S.C.A are highly dedicated and motivated professionals that aim for excellence in a highly demanding military environment, allowing for no margin for error as customer satisfaction is considered of paramount importance.
Michael Harrison, Managing Director comments, “We are proud that S.C.A.- Shipping Consultants Associated Ltd, as the headquarters of the SCA Group, has once again been recognised in the MegaGrowth 50 awards. This continued recognition reflects the strength of our strategy, the resilience of our business, and the dedication of our exceptional team operating within a demanding military and defence-focused environment. Our sustained growth is driven by long-standing client partnerships, operational expertise, and an unwavering commitment to providing reliable, high-quality service worldwide. As we look ahead, we remain focused on maintaining the highest standards and building on the strong foundations we have established.”
No.3 Primech Building Services Ltd
227.2%
Gillingham Sector: Building Services
Founded by Declan Ausher, Primech Building Services offers full design, installation, distribution, maintenance, testing and commissioning of all mechanical and electrical services.
This fast growing mechanical and electrical contractor prides itself on providing first class expertise and outstanding management to complete projects to a high standard.
The business serves clients mainly based in London and the South East, and has established an outstanding reputation across a wide range of sectors.
Picking up his certificate for coming third in this year’s MegaGrowth 50, Declan Ausher, Managing Director, said “Being recognised in the MegaGrowth 50 for the third year running really means so much to all of us at Primech. Consistent growth like this doesn’t just happen, it comes from hard work, strong values, and having the right people around us. Over the past year, we’ve continued to grow, but in a steady and considered way. For us the core focus is about building something strong and sustainable. We’ve invested back into the business, particularly into our staff, supporting their development and making sure they have everything they need to do their jobs to the very best of their ability. We’re incredibly proud of our team. Their dedication to Primech and their commitment to delivering a high standard for our clients never wavers. They show up every day ready to give 100%, and that’s what drives both our reputation and our continued growth. This recognition is a real honour, and it’s something every single member of our team should feel proud of.”
Jamie Pike, Managing Director and Matt Berry, Commercial Director at Kingsheath Construction Ltd.
No.4 Hectic Lifestyles Ltd
211.8% Rochester
Sector: Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail
Hectic Lifestyles, trading as NutraDirect, manufactures sports and nutritional supplements. New manufacturing capabilities have enabled it to expand recently into the production of vitamin gummies, plant-based meat, pet chews and chocolates.
No.5 Reliable Contractors Ltd
181.3% Sandwich
Sector: Recruitment and Labour Supply Agency
A family run business providing highly skilled labour resources to tier one contractors on major infrastructure projects.
No.6 Lawtech Group Ltd
134.9% Gillingham
Sector: Building Services
A specialist façade contractor, one of the UK’s largest installers of external wall insulation and a major retrofit contractor leading the way in cladding remediation.
No.7 Faithdean Holdings Ltd
115.5% Chatham
Sector: Construction and Refurbishment
A group of companies that specialise in high-quality residential fit outs, conservation work, new build and large multi-unit residential and commercial developments.
No.8 RVT Group Ltd
115.1% Dartford
Sector: Health and Safety
Family run business leading the way in health hazard control. It supplies dust and fume extractors, noise barriers, ventilation, heating, cooling and water treatment equipment to contractors across the UK.
No.9 Bedfont Scientific Ltd
112.6% Harrietsham
Sector: Manufacturing
World leaders in the design and manufacture of breath analysis medical devices, with over 100 distributors worldwide.
No.10 Opus Care Holdings Ltd
110.7% Ashford
Sector: Residential Care
Opus operate two high-quality residential care homes for the elderly in Ashford and Folkestone.
No.11 Spritestore Ltd
99.8% West Malling
Sector: Construction
The ultimate parent company of the RG Group’s trading company, RGCM Ltd. A construction business focused on residential, hotel, commercial, retail and student accommodation projects.
No.12 Faircloth Holdings Ltd
98.1% Tunbridge Wells
Sector: Construction
Trading as Faircloth Construction Ltd which specialises in the design and construction of commercial, retail, industrial and leisure projects for public and private sector clients.
No.13 Century Construction Group Ltd
94.2% Tonbridge
Sector: Building Services
Trading as Century Facades Ltd, one of the UK’s most technically competent engineering and building façade contractors dealing with high specification projects.
No.14 Sylvagen Ltd
89.6% Tunbridge Wells
Sector: Waste and Recycling/Energy
A leading contractor specialising in the purchase and supply of wood and waste for recovery, recycling and renewable energy uses.
No.15 CMT Equipment Ltd
87.6% Dartford
Sector: Manufacturing and Clothing Retail
A leading supplier of construction and personal protection equipment (PPE) stocking an extensive range of products. CMT also has an in-house manufacturing department which supplies client-branded products.
No.16 Bayliss Executive Travel Ltd
82.6% Dover
Sector: Transport and Tourism
One of the leading specialists in the South East for coach hire and corporate travel. It also offers day trips and short holidays.
No.17 Paramount Independent Property Services LLP
72.6% Rochester
Sector: Housing
This business has over 1400 units of accommodation and delivers a diverse range of housing, on behalf of local authorities, to different client groups including those who are in difficult or challenging circumstances.
70.0% Swanley
Sector: Construction and Refurbishment
An experienced, family-run contractor delivering highquality refurbishment and fit out work for both commercial and residential property projects.
No.19 Clock House Farm Ltd
65.1% Coxheath
Sector: Horticulture
A family run fruit grower specialising in soft fruit, apples and plums. It recently launched Linton Growing, a plant propagation business focused on berries, native trees and shrubs.
No.20 Alltask Ltd
62.6% Strood
Sector: Building Services
Alltask is a scaffolding, insulation, asbestos management, and environmental services specialist working with main contractors and clients on a wide range of civil and infrastructure projects.
No.21 DDR Decorators Ltd
62.6% Minster on Sea
Sector: Building Services
DDR provides interior and exterior painting and decorating services for both residential and commercial properties.
No.22 Stonegrove Ltd
58.3% Rainham
Sector: Building Services
Providing M&E services to the commercial and industrial sectors including public buildings, schools, housing associations and government buildings.
No.23 GKR Logistics Ltd
58.2% Rochester
Sector: Building Services
Operating as GKR Scaffolding, one of UK’s largest scaffolding companies, specialising in high-risk construction projects such as the renovation of Battersea Power Station and the temporary roof structure at HS2 Euston.
No.24 St. Nicholas Court Farms Ltd
58.1% Birchington
Sector: Agriculture and Energy
A farm that primarily grows cereals and oil seeds but also operates renewable energy plants on two sites in Kent.
No.25 Bischoff (Holdings) Ltd
57.7% Gillingham
Sector: Motor Retail
Trading as JCB Medway, with dealerships throughout Kent and Sussex selling new and used vehicles from well-known brands. It also provides aftercare facilities plus fleet, rental, and mobility services.
No.26 Wetton Cleaning Services Ltd
54.7% Sevenoaks
Sector: Commercial Cleaning Services
A family run business providing a range of cleaning and decontamination services to a range of businesses including care homes, offices, education, social housing, transport, stadiums and hotels.
No.27 EPS Logistics Technology Group
53.7% Sittingbourne
Sector: Manufacturing
A family-owned manufacturing business involved in the design and development of specialised containers and handling equipment for the defence and aerospace industries.
No.28 Eaglecliff Ltd
52.6% Sevenoaks
Sector: Recruitment and Payroll Services
Eaglecliff offers specialist recruitment services. It has delivered some of the most complex and challenging projects globally for world-leading brands, particularly in the IT and digital recruitment sectors. It also offers payroll services.
No.29 GVE Commercial Solutions Ltd
52.0% Maidstone
Sector: Building Services
A quantity surveying and commercial management consultancy serving many of the UK’s major contractors, and specialist subcontractors, in the construction and civil engineering sectors.
No.30 Whitstable Oyster Company Ltd
51.7% Whitstable
Sector: Hospitality
A third-generation family-run restaurant that has been serving seafood dishes for over thirty years. Their seafront building overlooks its very own oyster farm.
No.31 Offset Print Ltd
50.7% Aylesford
Sector: Print and Packaging/Manufacturing
Offset Print design and manufacture high-quality, bespoke printed cartons. It works with customers across the UK and Europe and operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
No.32 LDC Group Ltd
50.0% Dover
Sector: Residential Care
A family run care organisation that provides both residential and supported living care in East Kent.
No.33 A.C. Goatham & Son Ltd
47.3% Hoo
Sector: Horticulture
A family business that has been growing apples and pears since 1947. It grows, stores, packs and delivers around 450 million apples and 70 million pears each year.
No.34 Circatron Ltd
46.7% Paddock Wood
Sector: Manufacturing
A contract electronics manufacturer that has been providing a wide range of electronics production services since 1996.
No.35 C I (Holdings) Ltd
46.5% Rochester
Sector: Motor Repairs
Trading primarily as Mr Clutch, one of the UK’s leading autocentres which offers an array of services from MOTs to general repairs. Growth has been achieved by selling franchise opportunities.
No.41 COOK Trading Ltd
46.4%
Primarily trading as Quinn Estates, which develops property and infrastructure for
45.8%
44.8%
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No.40 Becket Holdings Ltd
44.4% Canterbury
Sector: Motor Retail
Primarily trading as the Broad Oak Motor Group which has been selling new and used cars for over 40 years (mostly VW, Nissan and Kia). It also offers servicing, repairs and parts.
43.8% Sittingbourne
Sector: Manufacturing and Food Retail
COOK is an award-winning manufacturer and retailer of prepared meals and puddings which are sold in independent shops across the UK. It is a founding member of B Corp UK, part of a global movement of responsible businesses.
No.42 WW Martin Ltd
43.1% Ramsgate
Sector: Construction
A leading construction business with almost 150 years’ experience that has built an excellent reputation in delivering projects to an extremely high standard.
No.43 Colsur Materials Ltd
42.2% Staplehurst
Sector: Manufacturing
This group primarily supplies materials for the electronics and petrochemicals industries. This includes precision sheet metalwork and the manufacture of bespoke magnetic shielding and associated acrylic products.
No.44 Rumwood Green Farm Ltd
40.6% Langley
Sector: Horticulture
Trading as Charltons Farms, a fruit grower and packer with farms in Kent and Norfolk. A family-owned business that provides quality produce to multiple retailers across the UK.
No.45 Swan Mill (Holdings) Ltd
39.8% Swanley
Sector: Manufacturing
Primarily trading as Swantex, which produces disposable catering paper products, gift wrap, greeting cards and crackers. It exports to over 30 countries worldwide and is supported by an office in Hong Kong.
No.46 Littlebourne House Ltd
39.3% Littlebourne
Sector: Residential Care
Littlebourne House is a family run residential care home specialising in elderly care and dementia. It also offers respite care.
No.47 Hi-Way Services (UK) Holdings Ltd
38.9% Canterbury
Sector: Infrastructure Services
Over 30 years, Hi-Way Services has grown into one of the UK’s leading road marking companies and carries out work not only in the UK but also worldwide.
No.48 Channel Commercials Kent Ltd
37.4% Ashford
Sector: Motor Retail
This business primarily sells new and used DAF trucks and vans. It also offers servicing and parts, sign writing and livery services, and rail wagon maintenance.
No.49 Laurence J Betts Ltd
37.1% Mereworth
Sector: Agriculture
A longstanding family business producing a wide range of salads and cereals. Recently acquired by the owners of Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd.
No.50 Blakley Electrics Ltd
36.3% Crayford
Sector: Manufacturing and Distribution
A UK market leader in the design, manufacture and supply of high-performance power distribution systems and industrial lighting equipment.
