Oxfordshire’s top businesses surpass £3bn in turnover, data finds

Oxfordshire’s top 300 privately-owned businesses have increased their overall turnover by 13% to reach £3.2bn in 2024, according to new data from Grant Thornton. 

Despite recent economic challenges, this analysis found that, alongside the notable revenue growth, overall profits had also increased. The combined EBITDA of the county’s 300 most profitable privately-owned businesses rose by 31% compared to 2023 – totally £198m. 

The built environment company, Greenland Henley Limited, ranked number one in the report out of all 300 businesses by turnover growth. By profit, the leading business was identified as JT Davies and Sons Holdings Limited, the parent company of Henley-based pub operator Brakspear.  

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire’s consumer sector contributed the highest proportion of overall revenue compared to any other sector to achieve a total turnover of £1.3bn, which included a “significant” increase in profits compared to the previous year. EBITA also grew 206% to reach £42m during the period. 

The county’s automotive sector saw the biggest revenue growth of any sector, increasing by 386% to hit £315m, as well as the second largest EBITDA growth, which grew 106% to £12m. Automotive businesses also witnessed a significant increase in employees, with the overall headcount growing the most of any sector to 1,300, which is up 397%. 

Other notable sectors in the report included technology, media and telecoms, which was the most represented single sector in the top 300 by number of firms at 48. 

The county’s real estate and construction sector also witnessed significant growth in top line figures, with revenue growing 92% to £133m and profits going up 121% to £13m.  

Will Rose, corporate finance advisory director at Grant Thornton in the Thames Valley, said: “The report highlights a number of the county’s current key sector strengths. This includes an advanced manufacturing and technology landscape that benefits from a vibrant innovation ecosystem, with numerous science parks, research institutions, and technology  clusters. In particular, the presence of the University of Oxford and its research expertise contributes to a strong knowledge-based economy. 

“The data in the Oxfordshire Limited analysis also showcases the diversity of the county’s business market, with a wide range of sectors performing well. Additionally, there’s a breadth of different business types flourishing, with a thriving community of start-ups supported by various incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities, as well as a large number of growing SMEs and notable presence of large, multinational brands.”