MST feature in London Stock Exchange Group’s list 1000 companies to inspire Britain.
As pride in the ‘Made in Britain’ marque grows and the appetite for ‘Brand Britain’ among emerging nations and economies becomes ever more rapacious, MST (Marine Specialised Technology) is delighted to announce we have been featured in the London Stock Exchange Group’s 2015 list of ‘1000 companies to inspire Britain.’
The London Stock Exchange Group sits at the heart of the world’s financial community and can trace its history back to 1801. From Aaron Heating Services to Zoopla Property Group, 2015’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ is a list of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs in the UK.
Philip Hilbert, MST’s Group Sales Director comments ‘This year’s list leaves you in no doubt – UK’s SMEs are among the most innovative and creative across the globe. MST’s drive and determination, coupled with the relentless pursuit of innovation and quality, have placed us at the very forefront of this list. We couldn’t be more proud of the team that has collectively taken us there.’
Key to MST’s growth over recent years has been unlocking opportunities in export markets, especially outside the European Union. While it is estimated that around a third of the UK’s SMEs do not export, MST’s rigid inflatable and high-speed workboats can be found across the globe, with MST currently offering sales and support services in 21 countries across 4 continents.
Philip goes on to say ‘MST, and a host of other businesses on the list, dispel the notion that the UK is a country that no longer makes anything.’
Explaining MST’s growth over recent years Philip explains. ‘International terrorism, human trafficking and smuggling are on the rise, and these are all core areas in which our products are used by military forces. While military budgets have been reduced in most countries around the world, funding for specialist elite forces has often been increased to fight this new breed of asymmetrical maritime threats.’
The appearance on the list comes alongside MST’s expansion of our premises by 30,000 sq ft, to serve the growing number of logistical support, parts and servicing contracts that we haves been awarded.
‘To accommodate this development, our overall workforce will need to expand by 30% over the next 12 months, with another 10% anticipated within our new build and other divisions,’ says Philip. ‘Boosting exports to the world’s fastest-growing economies is critical for MST’s competitiveness and long-term growth and stability. The UK Government has set a £1 trillion export target by 2020. MST aim to be part of that story.’