ANS has been recognised as one of the North’s most ambitious and fastest-growing businesses in the 2025 High Growth 50, compiled by Manchester-based strategic marketing communications agency MC2.
Now in its second year, the High Growth 50 report celebrates Northern-headquartered companies with revenues between £10m and £300m that are helping to drive the region’s economic resilience and performance. The list, compiled in partnership with data analytics platform Growth Flag, assesses companies based on turnover growth, headcount growth, and equity investment.
Across the 2025 cohort, average turnover has increased by 105% over the past three years, with 76% of companies projected to grow by at least 20% in the next 12 months. Collectively, the top 50 have also increased headcount by 69%, underlining the role of these businesses in creating jobs and opportunities across the region.
Over the past 18 months, ANS has delivered significant growth by landing its biggest customer to date, completing the strategic acquisition of AI and data engineering specialist Makutu, and welcoming more than 160 new team members. The company also strengthened its industry-leading position through its Academy-as-a-Service launch, while being recognised as Microsoft UK Services Partner of the Year and one of only 36 global Agents for Change, setting the benchmark for responsible AI adoption.
Rich Thompson, CEO of ANS, said: “Technology is reshaping every part of our lives and AI is rewriting the rules of business. As the pace of change continues to accelerate, every organisation should feel confident they’ve got the right tools and support to keep up. We’re not just transforming the way technology is used, we’re transforming access, opportunity, and impact. Our approach is ambitious, inclusive, and built to last.”
Other standout names in this year’s High Growth 50 include Mamas & Papas, Applied Nutrition, and Northern Monk – companies leading innovation and growth across sectors such as retail, health and wellness, and food and beverage.
To mark the 2025 announcement, founders and C-suite leaders from the cohort came together at the London Stock Exchange for an exclusive market close ceremony, hosted in partnership with Shore Capital Markets and HSBC UK.
Jonathan Saatchi, Managing Director at MC2, said: “Resilience and ambition are the two words that best define this year’s High Growth 50. Resilience to adapt and react to a challenging macro environment affected by global uncertainty. Ambition to face that context and still have the vision to create something truly special.
“The stories behind this year’s cohort demonstrate the depth and breadth of exceptional talent across the North, and should inspire us all to think bigger about our region.”
Bod Buckby, Head of Primary Markets North, London Stock Exchange, added: “The companies in this year’s report are a powerful indicator of the strength of the North – spanning sectors from digital tech and consumer brands to healthcare and the green economy. This diversity underlines the importance of ensuring the UK’s capital markets continue to evolve to support growth businesses at every stage of their journey.”
For more information and to view the full list, visit: https://thisismc2.com/high-growth-50