Twelve businesses from Norfolk have been named among the 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain, a new report today reveals.

https://infogr.am/companies-7424604

Larling-based Warings Furniture, caterers Edwards and Blake from Swaffham, and plant hire firm Mervyn Lambert are among the names listed in the third edition of the report, which identifies the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.

Oil and gas services provider OAASIS Group, filtration specialist Porvair of King's Lynn and car sales Dingles Motor Group and Pertwee and Back also made the list.

Overall there were 12 entries for Norfolk, which outperformed Suffolk (nine) but lagged behind Cambridgeshire (16), while the East of England as a region registered 90 entries in the list.

Nearly four out of five of the companies (78pc) were based outside London, with construction, engineering and manufacturing companies making up a quarter of the list.

Business secretary Sajid Javid said: 'From the Midlands engine to the granite city of Aberdeen, these 1,000 companies are bringing opportunity and prosperity to every corner of the UK and it is right that we celebrate their success. The government will continue to back hard-working entrepreneurs.'

Xavier Rolet, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange Group, which compiled the report, said: 'High-growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need. But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance.

'That's why today's event is so important: demonstrating the alliance between UK Government, financial market participants, investors, entrepreneurs and companies to support these inspiring businesses.'

•For more on the 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report, see the business supplement in Wednesday's EDP.