First launched in May 2020, the East Midlands (EM) Top 500 was initially published when the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown were having a daily impact on all our lives, as well as many of the companies featured.
But now the has finally been decided - in a changing economic climate in which the region’s businesses have shown great resilience, and are responding to the new challenges and opportunities they face.
The listing will be backed by headline sponsors , which is urging other local businesses in the region to show their support for this year's Top 500 - as well as hoping to get a place on it themselves.
Over the coming weeks, we will share the full listing that will be released online, highlighting the changes and the businesses which are currently driving our economy forward.
The Top 20 businesses will be announced on Thursday, July 1, when the will focus on the listing's results and what they mean for our region, both now and in the future as well.
The East Midlands Top 500 2021 is a partnership between research teams at the De Montfort, Derby and Nottingham Trent universities, East Midlands Chamber and Reach PLC.
What the sponsors have to say
This year Bradgate Estates is partnering with Reach Plc, sponsoring the East Midlands Top 500 Company Index, researched by Leicester's De Montfort University Business School, Nottingham's Business School (part of Nottingham Trent University) and the University of Derby.
The initiative shines a light on some of the region's best success stories and also recognises the hard work of the universities which are creating the business leaders of tomorrow.
The Top 500 East Midlands companies report not only highlights regional companies that are growing into national brands, but also international powerhouses, and established international brand names such as Boots, Rolls-Royce, NEXT and Toyota.
Bradgate Estates aspire to be in the ranks of the future Top 500 and also call on other firms to support this initiative.
Anthony Parker, finance director of Bradgate Estates commented: "It's our way of encouraging inter-city and company dialogue, and closing the gap between the region’s businesses with our excellent academic sector, local councils, and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce to enhance the economic prospects for all in the Region.
"I encourage our local companies to host more of our local university and business school graduates to capitalise on the knowledge and skills they can offer."
