The Power of Mid-Sized Businesses: The Hidden Champions of the Economy

When discussing business growth, the spotlight often shines on startups disrupting industries or large corporations dominating global markets. However, an essential yet often overlooked segment of the economy is mid-sized businesses, which play a pivotal role in driving economic prosperity.

What Are Mid-Sized Businesses?

Typically characterised by turnover between £10 million and £200 million and employing between 50 to 500 people, mid-sized businesses fall between SMEs and large enterprises. Despite their relative anonymity, they are critical contributors to economic health.

Economic Contributions

According to a study by the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), mid-sized businesses, also known as "the Mittelstand" in Germany, account for over a third of private sector GDP. In the UK, this translates to £1 trillion in economic output annually. These companies are often key employers in local communities, providing stability and opportunities where multinational corporations might not operate.

Hidden Champions

Mid-sized businesses are often leaders in niche markets. They excel by focusing on specialised products or services, building strong relationships with customers, and maintaining long-term growth strategies. Unlike startups driven by rapid scaling, mid-sized businesses prioritise sustainable growth and stability.

Challenges

While their contributions are substantial, mid-sized businesses often face a “policy blind spot.” They are too large to benefit from SME-focused policies and too small to wield the lobbying power of large corporations. Addressing these challenges could unlock even greater potential from this crucial sector.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Great British Industry Awards, the first awards programme in the UK designed exclusively to celebrate the contributions of mid-sized businesses. These awards aim to shine a spotlight on this vital but often overlooked segment of the economy.

Find out more, pre-register and/or join us in championing their success.

Be the First to Know: Join Our Awards Waitlist!

Every year, we celebrate the UK’s most ambitious and inspiring businesses through our award programmes:

🏆 The Great British Entrepreneur Awards – Recognising the game-changing entrepreneurs shaping the future.

🚀 The UK StartUp Awards – Celebrating the UK’s most exciting early-stage businesses.

📈 The UK Fast Growth Index – Showcasing the fastest-growing businesses across the country.

🏭 The Great British Industry Awards – Honouring the UK’s most innovative and high-performing industry leaders.

Want to be part of it? Join the waitlist now and be the first to hear when entries open!