THE TOP 10

1. Thornton & Ross - one of the largest OTC pharmaceutical manufacturers in the UK, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide and creating household names such as Zoflora, Covonia, Cetraben and Hedrin.

2. Buy It Direct Group - one of the UK’s largest online retailers based in Huddersfield, incorporating several other brands including Appliances Direct, Laptops Direct and Furniture 123.

3=. Tandem 1987 Ltd - a global brand and implementation consultancy, trading under the name Principle Global. Starting out in 1987 as sign experts on the Tandem Industrial Estate at Waterloo, it now works with big names such as BMW and HSBC.

3=. PPG Architectural Coatings Europe’s largest paint manufacturing complex, which makes paint brands Johnstone’s and Leyland, based at a 65-acre site in Birstall.

5. Hoyer Petrolog UK Limited - a global leader in providing specialist bulk logistics for the chemical, petroleum, food and gas industries.

6. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (EU) Limited - a pharmaceutical company with a major manufacturing site in Mirfield.

7. PCSpecialist Limited - Europe’s leading system integrator, specialising in build to order PCs, laptops, AIOs and servers.

8. Aflex Hose Limited - the world’s leading manufacturer of hoses for the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

9. Camira Group Holdings Limited – one of the biggest producers of commercial textiles in the UK, providing upholstery for buses, coaches and trains, as well as business premises, the hospitality industry and universities. Its HQ is in Mirfield and also has sites in Birkby and Meltham.

10. Valli Forecourts Limited – a family-run business currently operating a portfolio of 15 petrol forecourts and convenience stores throughout England, from Birmingham to Stockton-on-Tees and in between.