REID Lifting, an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of lightweight gantry and davit systems, has been ranked No. 98 in the fifth annual Sunday Times WorldFirst SME Export Track 100. Published on 26 May the league table ranks Britain’s small and medium-sized private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.

A new entrant, REID have reported export sales growth to £3.6m last year as the company maximised revenue from European and other global markets. With international expansion at the forefront of further growth plans, REID has earmarked a number of regions that represent potential, including the U.S., Canada and South America.

Simon Luke, Managing Director at REID Lifting, said: “Inclusion on such a prestigious list of companies is testament to the success we have had in penetrating certain global markets. It also whets our appetite for further expansion as we build on a sustained period of exporting excellence. Recognition on our own shores for our achievements globally is extremely humbling and we are proud to be keeping such esteemed company in fellow winners from Wales and around Britain.”

REID Lifting representatives will be invited to attend a celebratory awards dinner in September at The London Hilton Bankside. The SME Export Track 100 is sponsored by WorldFirst, DHL Express and Heathrow Airport, and is supported by the Exporting is GREAT campaign. It is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm. Fast Track has published league tables of the UK’s top-performing private companies with The Sunday Times for the past 22 years.

Jonathan Quin, CEO and co-founder at WorldFirst, said: “At WorldFirst we’d like to be the first to congratulate all the businesses that feature on this year’s top 100. International markets present tremendous opportunities for UK businesses and the rewards of being a successful exporter are clear from the growth demonstrated by all the businesses here. That said, there are challenges and risks too and so we should also recognise the brave and committed leadership that has got them to this point.”

Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, said: “SMEs are fundamental to achieving our target of increasing exports as a percentage of GDP to 35%, so it is vital we give them the recognition they deserve. The exporters listed are pioneers whose example should be followed by ambitious businesses across the UK.”

REID’s full range of product innovations including its new 1,000kg capacity Porta-Gantry Rapide, a higher capacity version of the manufacturer’s popular, 500kg capacity units of the same name, are all suitable for export

In March 2019, REID was acquired by Pure Lifting, a holding company formed to create a global portfolio of innovative, portable equipment businesses.