Named and acclaimed

The Plimsoll Envy Awards 2002 have 'named and acclaimed' 35 exceptional companies in the UK leather merchants and wholesalers industry. The outstanding results from the winning companies means that market conditions are not hindering performance. The Envy Awards 2002 include four different categories: Best trading partners These two companies are an example of how to achieve a long-standing presence in the industry. They have a strong balance sheet and average growth of 24.6% and are combining sound financial management with commercial success. Companies of note are: C Whitehead & Co Ltd East Hides Ltd Fast growing The principle activity of these four companies has been capturing market share. Average growth of these companies is a massive 24.6% compared with the industry average of 4.7%. Companies of note are: Banks Byrne Ltd C Whitehead & Co Ltd East Hides Ltd Most profitable The average margin in the UK leather merchants and wholesalers industry is 1.8%. Yet 17 companies in this category have attained a 2.7% average margin. With 31% of the industry loss-making, their achievements deserve special credit. Companies of note are: Pocock Brothers Ltd British and Foreign Wharf Co Ltd C Whitehead & Co Ltd Leaders in efficiency The amount of sales per employee is a classic efficiency ratio. The average figure in the leather industry is £97,000 per employee. The 12 companies named in this category are beating the industry average and posting an average £102,000 per employee. Companies of note are: Universal Trading Ltd East Hides Ltd David Conrad (International)