Hear from the winners of the 2026 North West Fastest 50 Awards

Overall winner and Fastest Growing Large Business: Vesper Technologies

Vesper Technologies is a Stockport-based specialist in the design, configuration, delivery and support of high-performance data centre infrastructure. Founded in 2014, the company provides computer, networking and storage solutions, with expertise spanning high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and open data centre technology. It also manages the international delivery of data centre infrastructure. Vesper Technologies recorded average turnover growth of 154.83%, with turnover of £142.6m.

Philip Kaye, Director, Vesper Technologies said: “We are delighted to have been named the overall winner of the Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50. Demand for high-performance computing and AI infrastructure has grown considerably, which has created strong opportunities for the business.

“The result also reflects the strength of our team, many of whom have been with the business for a long time, and the relationships we have built with customers. Around 95% of our business comes from repeat customers, which tells us we are getting the service right.”

Fastest Growing Medium Business: McCrory Construction Group

McCrory Construction Group is a separate construction business within family-owned McCrory Holdings, based at Adlington Business Park near Macclesfield. The wider group has around 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and includes specialist businesses covering brickwork, property development, scaffolding and fire protection. McCrory Construction Group recorded average turnover growth of 122.81%, with turnover of £19.9m.

Chris Fish, Operations Director, McCrory Construction Group, said: “We were surprised and extremely proud to be named the fastest growing medium-sized business. It is recognition of the work put in by everybody across the group and the reputation the team has built over many years.

“McCrory Brickwork provided the foundation for the wider business, and we have expanded carefully from there. We have never wanted growth for its own sake – our approach has been to take on the right work, deliver it well and build the business at a pace we can sustain.”

Fastest Growing Small Business: CareConcepts

CareConcepts is a family-run care provider headquartered in Congleton, Cheshire. It operates five care homes in Tunstall, Wythenshawe, Widnes, Biddulph and Ellesmere Port, providing residential, nursing, dementia, respite and palliative care, alongside support for people with physical disabilities and complex needs. CareConcepts recorded average turnover growth of 114.43%, with turnover of £8.7m.

Katrina Taylor-Grant, Finance Business Administrator, Care Concepts, said: “Winning the small business category is a great achievement for everyone across our five homes. Our growth has only been possible because of the commitment of our teams and the high standards of care they provide every day.

“As the business has developed, we have continued to invest in our staff and our homes, but our priority has remained the same which is ensuring our residents have the best possible quality of life.”

Click here to view the full list of 2026’s Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 businesses.