MST Group Ranked #35 in Prestigious Grant Thornton UK Manufacturing Growth Index 2025
Marine Specialised Technology Group (MST Group), a world-leading designer and manufacturer of high-speed naval and professional craft, is proud to announce its ranking as the 35th fastest-growing privately-owned manufacturer in Great Britain in the inaugural Grant Thornton UK Manufacturing Growth Index 2025.
The index, compiled by global professional services firm Grant Thornton UK, identifies the top 200 high-performing manufacturers based on sustainable EBITDA growth over a two-year period. Placing within the top 40 highlights MST Group’s resilience and rapid expansion despite global supply chain challenges and economic uncertainty.
Driving Innovation in Maritime Defence
Headquartered in Bromborough, MST Group has seen record-breaking demand for its bespoke maritime solutions. Key recent milestones contributing to this growth include:
- Major Defence Contracts: Securing significant domestic and international orders, including a £36 million UK MOD contract for next-generation patrol craft.
- Product Innovation: The successful launch of the new Fast Interception Craft (FIC) range, developed in collaboration with BMT, which has already gained traction with European military users.
- Strategic Investment: Securing a £6 million funding package from NatWest in 2025 to scale operations and manage its expanding global order book.
Ben Kerfoot, Managing Director of MST Group, commented:
“Being ranked #35 in the Grant Thornton Manufacturing Growth Index is a milestone moment for our team. It validates our strategy of combining British engineering excellence with cutting-edge technology to serve the world’s most demanding professional and military maritime operators. This recognition belongs to our 125-strong workforce whose dedication continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in high-speed craft design.”
A Leader in the Northern Powerhouse
The 2025 Index reveals that the North of England leads the UK’s manufacturing growth, accounting for 37% of the top performers. MST Group’s position as a top-tier manufacturer reinforces the Wirral and the wider North West region as a hub for global industrial innovation.