Two NI firms on league table of fastest-growing international sales stars

These stars have grown their international sales by an average of 40% a year over the last two years to a total of £28m, both are profitable and together they employ more than 1,500 people. The figures largely relate to financial periods before Covid-19 struck.

Northern Ireland’s top-ranked company is blind manufacturer Decora (No 74) based in Lisburn, which achieved record sales in August and September last year as demand for home improvement surged during the pandemic.

It manufactures 30,000 blinds a week, which it sells to retailers across Europe.

Exports grew an average of 51% per year over its last two years, to hit £14.7m in 2019, on total sales of £87.8m.

The firm also acquired Dutch firm Coolblinds for an undisclosed sum in August last year.

Meanwhile Toombridge kitchen door supplier Uform, which features for a second consecutive year, was ranked No 144. The business hired staff to meet increased demand during the pandemic.

And its international sales grew 28% a year, reaching £13.6m in 2020, on total sales of £36.6m.

The companies in Northern Ireland appear alongside well-known UK brands including Sweaty Betty, the women’s activewear brand sold in 195 countries; BrewDog, which was valued at £1bn in 2017 and now has 100 bars worldwide; and Brompton, the bicycle manufacturer, which ships to 47 markets.

The league table programme is sponsored by HSBC and DHL Express, and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm.

Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC UK, commented: “After a challenging start to 2021, all eyes are on the companies that will drive a return to growth in 2021.

“We are confident that the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of businesses such as those in Northern Ireland listed on International Track 200 will carry them forward.

“These companies show the strength, ambition and resilience of businesses across the UK and are the sort of businesses we are proud to support every day.”

Last year there were four Northern Ireland businesses in the table.

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