What are described as the UK's most successful scientific and laboratory equipment companies have been named as part of a special study by this industry analyst
These outstanding companies have been grouped into five different areas of financial success.
33 companies named as best overall financial performers.
Included in this section are the companies considered to be getting the balance right between commercial and financial success.
They are managing to increase sales and maximise profits.
All this, and without compromising financial strength.
David Pattison, senior analyst on the project, says he is impressed with the performance of these leading companies, which are reporting much better sales growth figures and far greater profits than the rest of the industry.
Pattison adds: "The rest of the industry should be falling over themselves to do business with these companies".
31 companies named for best sales improvement.
With the market growing at 3.5%, the majority of companies are, at best, showing modest growth.
The 31 companies named in this section are delivering a minimum of 19% growth in the last period.
Pattison is convinced these companies will cause increased pressure in the market in 2007 as they build on their aggressive business strategy.
He continues: "These companies are in danger of taking the industry by storm".
40 companies named for profit improvement.
With profit margins in general depressed, it is refreshing to see 40 companies clearly benefiting from tighter cost control and pricing policies.
They have been able lift their margins from previously loss making to a current 5.5% on average, well above the industry's current 3.7%.
Pattison continues: "For me profits are the key to a successful company.
"As the saying goes, anyone can give the stuff away but the real skill in business is to make a profit".
22 companies delivering a turnaround in financial performance.
It is the nature of business that most companies in their lifetime will encounter a difficult trading period.
Some, during this time will fail or be taken over.
Others find a solution themselves.
Named in this section are the 22 companies who were facing an uncertain future.
These 'comeback kings' have staged a recovery, and the first stage of the turnaround process is underway.
"These 22 turnaround companies are proof that failure is avoidable.
"They offer encouragement to 105 other scientific and laboratory equipment companies that have seen a sharp decline in their recent financial performance.
"Trading out is an option - if problems are addressed quickly".
25 companies named for productivity improvement.
Showing how vital productivity is becoming to remain competitive in the industry, 25 companies are named in this section.
They are using their staff to deliver 15 times the sales and 12 times the profit of the rest of the industry.
"As wages and employment costs in general prove an increasing burden, lean companies like these are discovering new productivity levels to combat this problem".
