Veezu has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2020. The report recognises the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)*, highlighting the regional and sector diversity of the UK’s SMEs and the entrepreneurial spirit shown by these companies.
To be featured in the report, businesses had to demonstrate strong revenue growth over the last three years and outperform their sector peers, creating a unique list of the UK’s most innovative SMEs. Further details on the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report and methodology can be found online.
Veezu has recorded substantial success with notable acquisitions – since July 1 2019, Veezu and its regional hubs (A2B Radio Cars, Amber Cars, Dragon Taxis, V Cars) have made seven notable acquisitions, in keeping with the business’ growth strategy to expand both organically and through acquisitions.
Two acquisitions by regional hubs were completed in the Autumn of 2019. V Cars acquired Swindon firm United Radio Cars and Amber Cars acquired private hire firm Greengates Cars in Bradford.
Welsh regional hub Dragon Taxis began 2020 with a double acquisition, acquiring two taxi firms in Torfaen: Cwmbran Cars and Chauffer Cars.
Further acquisitions took place in March as regional hub Amber Cars acquired Leeds firm Premier Cars and Veezu Group acquired Shropshire and West Midlands firm Go Carz. Most recently, Amber Cars acquired Gee Gee Cars in Beeston, last month.
The notable acquisitions have allowed Veezu Group to expand and strengthen its services across the UK, becoming the country’s number one hyperlocal journey provider.
Nathan Bowles, CEO of Veezu, said:
“As the UK’s number one hyperlocal journey provider, I’m delighted that Veezu has been recognised as a leading business to inspire Britain during 2020. Our fast growth is inspired by our mission to focus on the needs of passengers to deliver millions of journeys that keep our local communities moving safely and efficiently.
“Local residents and local businesses must pull together and make our local communities stronger, even more so during these turbulent times.”
Veezu has adapted in response to Covid 19, initiating Click and Collect services for driver partners to collect and deliver to those self-isolating and Veezu Delivers to assist the restaurant and takeaway sector during lockdown.
The business was one of the first within the transport industry to initiate stringent safety and hygiene measures as the prevention of COVID-19 has become a way of everyday life and residents seek a safe and convenient alternative to public transport.
The measures, introduced to make journeys as safe as possible for both passengers and driver-partners and to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, include specialist cleaning regimes and trialling in-vehicle protective screens. Since July, more than 180,000 face coverings have been made available to driver-partners, free of charge, for their own use while driving.
David Schwimmer, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group, said:
“This report highlights the vital role of SMEs in driving economic growth, leading innovation and providing jobs across the UK. In this challenging year for businesses, it is more important than ever to shine a light on these stories of resilience and entrepreneurship. The success of UK SMEs is crucial as we rebuild a post COVID-19 economy, and London Stock Exchange Group is committed to helping growth companies achieve their potential.”
The Rt Hon John Glen MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury added:
“SMEs are the engine room of our economy. They have risen to the immense challenges of this year with resilience and ingenuity, and we are proud to support them with one of the most generous and comprehensive packages for businesses anywhere in the world. It is more important than ever that we champion the companies in this year’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report and many others like them – they are creating jobs, spurring on our economic recovery, and building the industries of the future.”
