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Some 57 businesses in the South West have been named among the most inspiring in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

The London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report 2019 recognises the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs in the country.

While services account for about 80 per cent of º£½ÇÊÓƵ GDP, the report showcases the depth and breadth of high-growth British businesses across all industries.

The top five industries are engineering and construction; information technology; retail; manufacturing and healthcare.

South West companies on the list this year include a wide range of businesses including Charles Trent, a used car parts company in Poole, Dorset; Bristol-based medical manufacturing company Limbs & Things; and Devon engineering firm SC Group.

"The South West is home to some amazing companies, which are driving the region's economic growth," said Bristol Live business editor Hannah Baker. "Businesses are the backbone of the economy and the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit across the West Country is inspirational."

Prime minister Theresa May said: “Our country has a history of being a great place to grow and start a business – and the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism that has always been the key to our success is tangibly demonstrated by those in this report.

“We must always ensure we create the right conditions for small and medium-sized businesses to flourish. Business knows it can never afford to stand still, and what is true for business is also true for us as a nation.”