Top 20 Companies Founded in Bristol, UK: Revenues, Net Worths, and Founders

Bristol, a city renowned for its rich industrial heritage and innovative spirit, has been the birthplace of numerous influential companies. From financial services to aerospace and technology, these enterprises have significantly contributed to both the local and national economies. Below is a comprehensive list of the top 20 companies founded in Bristol, highlighting their annual revenues, net worths, and founders.

---

1. Hargreaves Lansdown

• Industry: Financial Services
• Founded: 1981
• Founders: Peter Hargreaves & Stephen Lansdown
• Annual Revenue: £366 million (2023)
• Net Worth: Peter Hargreaves – £1.743 billion; Stephen Lansdown – £1.301 billion
• Overview: A leading UK investment platform, Hargreaves Lansdown offers a range of financial products and services to over 1.7 million clients. The company is listed on the FTSE 100 and remains headquartered in Bristol. BristolWorld

---

2. Ovo Energy

• Industry: Energy Supply
• Founded: 2009
• Founder: Stephen Fitzpatrick
• Annual Revenue: £1.45 billion
• Overview: Ovo Energy has grown to become one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, serving over five million customers. The company focuses on sustainable energy solutions and has expanded its services through strategic acquisitions. Business Leader

---

3. Imperial Brands

• Industry: Tobacco & Consumer Goods
• Founded: 1901 (as Imperial Tobacco)
• Annual Revenue: £7.8 billion (2023)
• Overview: Headquartered in Bristol, Imperial Brands is a multinational company known for its tobacco products. It operates in over 160 countries and has diversified its portfolio to include next-generation products.WIRED

---

4. Graphcore

• Industry: Artificial Intelligence & Semiconductors
• Founded: 2016
• Founders: Nigel Toon & Simon Knowles
• Valuation: $1.7 billion
• Overview: Graphcore specializes in developing intelligence processing units (IPUs) designed for AI and machine learning applications. The company has attracted significant investment from global tech giants.

---

5. Pukka Herbs

• Industry: Health & Wellness
• Founded: 2001
• Founders: Tim Westwell & Sebastian Pole
• Overview: Pukka Herbs produces organic herbal teas and supplements. The company emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing, and its products are sold worldwide.

---

6. Aardman Animations

• Industry: Animation & Media
• Founded: 1972
• Founders: Peter Lord & David Sproxton
• Overview: Renowned for creations like Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, Aardman Animations is a leading animation studio that combines traditional techniques with modern storytelling.

---

7. Yeo Valley

• Industry: Dairy Production
• Founded: 1961
• Founder: Roger Mead
• Annual Revenue: £251 million
• Overview: Yeo Valley is a family-owned dairy company producing organic yogurts and other dairy products. It operates multiple sites across the South West of England. Business Leader+1BristolWorld+1

---

8. Nisbets

• Industry: Catering Equipment
• Founded: 1983
• Founder: Andrew Nisbet
• Annual Revenue: £426 million
• Overview: Nisbets is a leading supplier of catering equipment, serving customers in over 100 countries. The company offers a wide range of products for the hospitality industry. BristolWorld+2Business Leader+2Bristol Live+2

---

9. Ultraleap

• Industry: Technology & Electronics
• Founded: 2013
• Overview: Ultraleap develops hand-tracking and mid-air haptic technologies, enabling users to interact with digital content without physical contact. The company has raised significant funding to advance its innovations. Beauhurst+1WIRED+1

---

10. Moneyhub

• Industry: Financial Technology
• Founded: 2009
• Overview: Moneyhub provides data aggregation and analytics solutions for financial services, helping businesses and consumers manage their financial data effectively. Beauhurst

---

11. Cameron Balloons

• Industry: Aerospace & Manufacturing
• Founded: 1971
• Founder: Don Cameron
• Overview: Cameron Balloons is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons, supplying customized balloons for clients globally. gwsmedia.com

---

12. TrueSpeed

• Industry: Telecommunications
• Founded: 2014
• Overview: TrueSpeed delivers full-fibre broadband services to homes and businesses in the South West, aiming to provide reliable and fast internet connectivity.

---

13. Sanderson Solutions Group

• Industry: Recruitment & Staffing
• Founded: 1975
• Annual Revenue: £448 million
• Overview: Sanderson Solutions Group offers recruitment services across various sectors, including IT, finance, and engineering. Business Leader

---

14. Dick Lovett

• Industry: Automotive Retail
• Founded: 1966
• Annual Revenue: £174 million
• Overview: Dick Lovett operates a network of car dealerships representing premium automotive brands across the South West. Bristol Live+4Business Leader+4Bristol Live+4

---

15. Thatchers Cider

• Industry: Beverage Production
• Founded: 1904
• Founder: William Thatcher
• Annual Revenue: £130 million
• Overview: Thatchers Cider is a family-run cider maker producing a range of traditional and innovative ciders, with a focus on quality and heritage. Business Leader

---

16. Carbase

• Industry: Automotive Retail
• Founded: 2003
• Annual Revenue: £121 million
• Overview: Carbase is a family-owned used car dealership offering a wide selection of vehicles across multiple locations in the South West. Business Leader

---

17. Howard Garages (Weston) Limited

• Industry: Automotive Retail
• Founded: 1972
• Annual Revenue: £142 million
• Overview: Howard Garages operates a network of car dealerships representing various automotive brands, providing sales and servicing across the region. Business Leader

---

18. Renishaw

• Industry: Engineering & Technology
• Founded: 1973
• Founders: Sir David McMurtry & John Deer
• Annual Revenue: £671 million (2023)
• Overview: Renishaw specializes in precision measurement and healthcare technologies, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.Bristol Live

---

19. Computershare UK

• Industry: Financial Services
• UK Headquarters: Bristol
• Annual Revenue: $2.2 billion (Global, 2018)
• Overview: Computershare provides share registry, employee equity plans, and other financial services, with its UK operations headquartered in Bristol. inkl+1Bristol Live+1

---

20. Multiverse

• Industry: Education & Technology
• Founded: 2016
• Founders: Euan Blair & Sophie Adelman
• Valuation: £1.4 billion (2022)
• Overview: Multiverse offers professional apprenticeships and training programs, aiming to bridge the skills gap and provide alternatives to traditional university education. Latest news & breaking headlines

---

These companies exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and diverse industrial landscape of Bristol. Their contributions continue to shape the city’s economic growth and innovation.

📧 Ready to add your business to the list?

Contact us today at support@dabrando.co.uk or explore our services to learn more, or Book A Free Discover Call to get started today!