York St John and York Press unveil the 100 best businesses in York

Gear 4 Music topped the York Top 100 companies list this year after being evaluated on business metrics including revenue, profit, growth and headcount.

The sixth edition of the annual York Top 100 Businesses report is produced by The Press in partnership with York St John University and the City of York Council.

The university uses an algorithm published yesterday (Thursday) in the York Press in its calculations for the rankings.

At an event to launch the 2022 report, York Press Sales Director Steve Lowe confirmed that the ratings are “data-based” and “non-subjective,” unlike the York Press Business Awards.

“We want to present York as a fantastic place to do business. We want companies to use the York 100 for PR, for employees and for customers.”

The event, held in the University’s Temple Hall, was attended by eminent figures from across the city’s business and academic community.

Professor Rob Mortimer, York St John’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and International, agreed with Mr Lowe that the event recognizes and showcases the diversity of businesses in the city.

“York St. John just kept getting stronger,” he said.

It has doubled research, the number of students, particularly in economics, and significantly increased the number of international students.

The University also celebrated the one year anniversary of its Enterprise Center, which includes 11 companies.

Kyle Haughton, Managing Director of lead sponsor City Cruises, said: “In 2022, City Cruises York had its most profitable year ever. This was driven by the domestic market, stay and good weather.”

But he warned: “The business world is changing, post Covid there are new challenges to face: recruiting, cost of living and changing consumer behavior.”

Mr Haughton also spoke about the support City Cruises has given to organizations in York.

The star speaker, former England rugby international Tony Underwood, who lives in Northallerton, gave a master class on how to succeed in business.

His tips included, “You have to adapt to change to survive,” and explained how he converted to become an airline pilot. Business is about “feeling,” about what you want to do and don’t need to do. You also have to know where you are going.

“There is value in everyone. Your job is to see it in them and they have to see it too,” he said.

dr Rebecca Biggins, Associate Dean of the Business School, then explained how over 12,000 York companies were rated for the York 100.

In addition to the placements, awards were given.

The tallest climber went to York Racecourse.

The One to Watch Award went to Scoobybido Ltd trading as VetPartners.

And top business was Gear4 Music.

CFO Chris Scott said his company is the UK’s largest online music retailer with sales of £15m.

Sales are “picking up” and he is optimistic about the future, he added.