Lancashire's Hot 100: Keeping cool as the temperature rises

Lancashire businesses may be feeling the heat triggered by circumstances beyond their control but, as our new Hot 100 list shows, they continue to keep their cool.

The picture painted by this year’s much-anticipated roll-call of the county’s most profitable SMEs is one of stability and growth, despite wider political and economic turmoil.

Increases in total sales, profitability and employee numbers also demonstrate that many of these businesses are not just surviving but expanding.

Total sales of £2.2bn – up £218m on the 2025 figure – show an 11 per cent rise. The overall pre-tax profit figure of £276m shows a £21m increase. The number of workers also rose slightly by 152 to 9,788.

Dean Rodgers, accounts and advisory director at PM+M accountants, who once again put together the Hot 100 for us, says: “There are no dramatic shifts in sector dominance or headline-grabbing changes, but that in itself tells an important story.

“The consistency in the business mix suggests a resilient regional economy that continues to build on its established strengths, even against a backdrop of wider economic uncertainty.”

He adds: “While this year’s list may lack a single defining trend, it paints a reassuring picture of stability, growth and enduring industrial strength.”

The list highlights how manufacturing and construction continue to be Lancashire’s powerhouse sectors.

And the inclusion of 36 new entrants this year shows that the county’s economy simply refuses to stand still with businesses committed to their scale-up journeys.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View, says: “Our Hot 100 list once again provides a fascinating insight into the health and direction of the county’s economy.

“This year’s list contains some familiar names, alongside businesses that are new to the list. They all share the same sense of endeavour and commitment to growth.

“The Hot 100 also highlights the importance of our SMEs and their role as the backbone of Lancashire’s economy, delivering valuable jobs for their communities.”

 For more analysis and to see the Hot 100 in full, see issue 129 of Lancashire Business View.