Switalskis has once again been listed among the Wakefield Top 100 Companies for 2025/2026, marking a second consecutive year of recognition. This esteemed accolade highlights the firm's exceptional growth and continued contribution to the local economy—a particularly proud moment given Switalskis' origins in Wakefield.

Founded in 1993 by Stephen Switalski, the firm has grown into a pillar of the local business community, earning its place alongside other leading companies that are helping to shape the region's economic future.

A celebration of local business excellence

The Wakefield Top 100 Companies initiative is a collaboration between Wakefield First (as part of Wakefield Council), the University of Huddersfield, and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC). It aims to celebrate business growth and foster collaboration across the region.

Darren Byford, the Mayor of Wakefield, emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying: “The businesses included in the list are incredibly important for the continued development of economic growth within the Wakefield district.”

The metrics behind the list

The annual Wakefield Top 100 list is meticulously compiled by Huddersfield Business School, which evaluates businesses based on a set of consistent metrics. These include turnover, profit, employee numbers, and growth, all derived from publicly available data on the Bureau Van Dijk - FAME database.

This transparent and rigorous process ensures the recognition is not only prestigious but also reflective of genuine business performance and impact within the region.

Exclusive launch event

The 2025/2026 list will be officially launched in the spring at an exclusive invitation only event that will bring together businesses on the list to network and celebrate their achievements.

Councillor Michael Graham highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating: “The Wakefield Top 100 initiative will help showcase and celebrate the district's rich and diverse business community who are leading the way.

"The launch event will create a lasting legacy which we hope will be celebrated for years to come and will put Wakefield on the map as the place for business, investment, and growth."

Objectives of the initiative

The Wakefield Top 100 Companies initiative serves several key goals:

• Strengthening bonds within the Wakefield business community.
• Building prestige for member companies through exclusive networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Encouraging engagement between smaller firms and larger organizations to foster greater collaboration and innovation.
• Enhancing relationships with anchor institutions to support local talent, education, skills, and business growth initiatives.

Switalskis’ Managing Director, John Durkan, commented: “Switalskis' inclusion in the Wakefield Top 100 for a second year underscores the firm's resilience, innovation, and commitment to the region. The firm's success story, rooted in its Wakefield origins, mirrors the broader narrative of growth and opportunity celebrated by this initiative.

"As the Wakefield district continues to thrive, initiatives like this not only recognise the efforts of local businesses but also pave the way for greater collaboration, shared expertise, and sustained growth.”

Congratulations to all the companies making an impact in the Wakefield region!