Mission possible: five superheroes of UK growth

Thursday, May 03, 2012 | Posted by: Fiona Cullinan
Categories: Technology sector | Tags: entrepreneurs, Grant Thornton, technology, growth, UK, CEO, insight, tech, defence, The Times, diversification, MIRA

Forget the double-dip recession, take inspiration from these dynamos of British business. In conjunction with The Times, we’re profiling the market-defying growth stories of five of our most dynamic, mid-market clients. First up is Midlands engineering company, MIRA, which has diversified from motor industry beginnings into new markets in technology, defence and overseas.

The exclusive series, which is being published in The Times’ business section and Times Online, began last week with Reconnaissance mission unearths new markets.

Nuneaton-based MIRA’s success story begins with the MACE 2 robot vehicle, an unmanned, camouflage vehicle currently being deployed on ground missions in Afghanistan instead of troops. It’s a far cry from the company’s launch in 1953 as the government-funded Motor Industry Research Association.

Now, chief executive George Gillespie (pictured) talks about his plans to move MIRA to a spectacular new technology park, expand activities overseas and extend its reach into areas such as aerospace, rail and defence. The developments are expected to generate 2,000 new jobs over the next decade.

Grant Thornton Midlands director Brian Carruthers, based in our Leicester office, contributed to the article.

You can read the full story in The Times…

And don’t forget to look out for four more weekly focus reports exclusively featuring Grant Thornton clients who have become successful, market-leading, dynamic mid-sized businesses. The second one is just out – Mature approach pays dividends in the long run – telling the story of a Scottish whisky distillery that, with 12-year malts in process, has to take the long-term view.

You might also find these posts useful:

* What are the critical factors for UK growth? We asked four top-track UK business leaders…
* Lessons in international growth from British high fliers
• UK economy: in double-dip recession or zigzag recovery?