Huddersfield-based financial services company Fintel PLC has taken No1 spot in the Kirklees Top 100 Companies ranking for 2025-26.
The company, set up as SimplyBiz by Huddersfield entrepreneur Ken Davy in 2002, has featured in the annual list every year since the awards started in 2020.
However, this year is the first time Fintel, based in St Andrew’s Road, has achieved top spot.
The awards were set up by the University of Huddersfield, Kirklees Council and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre to raise the profile of Kirklees businesses and the region as an attractive destination for investment and growth.
The Kirklees Top 100 is determined through an independent and consistent methodology, using a blend of metrics including turnover, profit, employee numbers and growth.
Mr Davy said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award on behalf of everyone at Fintel.
“As SimplyBiz, and now Fintel, we have been fortunate enough to feature in these awards since their inception but, as we grew larger, meeting the requirements becomes harder. To now top the Kirklees Top 100 was therefore a wonderful surprise.”
Some of the most influential business leaders from across Kirklees gathered at this year’s launch event at the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield.
Taking first position was Fintel PLC, followed by Huddersfield-based Oxalis Logistics UK Ltd – formerly tanker firm Hoyer – in second and Birstall paint manufacturer PPG Architectural Coatings UK Ltd in third.
Each company was celebrated for its outstanding performance, growth and contribution to the local and regional economy.
Now in its sixth year, the Kirklees Top 100 shines a spotlight on the success and diversity of businesses across the district.
This year’s event also included a series of special awards celebrating businesses that have shown exceptional progress and impact:
Sponsors of the Kirklees Top 100 2025-26 include; Navig8 Advisory, Howarths and Huddersfield Town AFC, all of whom continue to champion business excellence and growth across the district.
Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for finance and regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “We are incredibly proud of the businesses across our region, and of our involvement with the Top 100 initiative.
“The launch of this year’s edition places a spotlight on the incredible diversity, resilience and innovation within our business community; a community that is the backbone of our local economy.
“We continue to invest in regeneration and infrastructure – because we know that a strong, inclusive economy underpins everything we want to achieve, for our residents, and for our businesses.”
Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, said: “We’re proud to partner with Kirklees Council and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre to celebrate the very best of local enterprise in the Kirklees Top 100.
“Our very own Huddersfield Business School plays a key role in compiling the list each year, drawing on a range of business performance indicators to highlight the strength and diversity of companies across our region.”
Henry Rigg, CEO at the 3M BIC, said: “The Kirklees Top 100 celebrates the drive, determination and innovation that define our local business community.
“The companies that made it onto this year’s list are not only contributing to economic success but are also helping shape a stronger Kirklees.”
For more information and to view the Kirklees Top 100 2025-26 brochure, visit kirkleestop100.co.uk
Main image: Kirklees Top 100 Special Award Winners: (l-r) Jenny Hill (Kirklees Council, on behalf of Flexitallic), Scott Cursley (PPG), Donna Oldman (Locala), Ken Davy (Fintel), Tracey Scott-Milner (Kirklees Council on behalf of Delifresh), Emily Smee (Oxalis): Image by: Heather Magner, Northern Exposure.
