Esh Group has been named as one of ten private businesses in the UK to receive the 2025 Best Managed Companies award.
The programme – an initiative of Deloitte Private – celebrates private companies for their organisational success and contributions to their respective industry and the UK’s economic growth.
Businesses are assessed by independent judges based on four critical pillars: strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities and innovation, and governance and financial performance. A ceremony on 12 June 2025 shone a spotlight on the top ten.
Among the attendees was Esh’s Chief Executive, Andy Radcliffe, who credited the accolade to the skill and dedication of the vast array of talented people in the business.
He said: “I am immensely proud that Esh Group has been announced as one of the UK’s Best Managed Companies 2025. We have been on a journey of transformation over recent years, with everyone in all areas of the business stepping up, pulling together and working incredibly hard to navigate the challenges the industry has faced, all the while embodying our mission, vision and values.
“Our business is in excellent shape, and we’re making huge strides in every area of our strategy. To have this recognised externally through the prestigious Best Managed Companies programme really is a humbling moment.”
This is the inaugural year of the UK’s Best Managed Companies awards, with the programme already established in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Deloitte Private provides personalised solutions to privately owned businesses and family enterprises. Claire Evans, Deloitte Private partner and UK Best Managed Companies leader, said: “The Best Managed Companies programme celebrates the passion, resilience, and focus on sustainable growth that are hallmarks of the UK’s leading private businesses.
“These businesses are purpose-driven, disciplined, and industry-leading. They are confidently navigating the future and setting an inspiring standard for success among private businesses in the UK.”
Esh is one of four privately-owned North East companies to have been named as a UK Best Managed Companies 2025 winner. John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the recognition of regional businesses. He said: “It’s fantastic to see North East businesses recognised on a national stage for their leadership, innovation and long-term success. The Deloitte UK Best Managed programme rewards excellence across strategy, culture, capabilities and governance — qualities that run deep in our region and make the North East such a brilliant place to live and work.”
Employing over 800 people, Esh currently has the largest forward order book in its history. The Tyne Bridge Restoration, Stockton Waterfront Urban Park and Seaham Garden Village are just a snapshot of Esh’s live projects in the North East, while the Ripleyville regeneration development and the refurbishment of Hull’s Drypool Bridge are amongst its schemes in Yorkshire.
Esh secured a place on Northumbrian Water’s Ecosystem framework last year, alongside joint venture Esh-Stantec being named as a Living Water Enterprise supply partner on a 12-year capital delivery framework. This was bolstered further with Esh recently announcing its appointment as sole delivery partner for Northumbrian Water Group’s £120 million Wastewater Networks Framework.
Radcliffe concluded: “Our long-term vision is clear and we are strongly positioned to navigate the ups, downs and challenges that all businesses face, while carrying forward the proud legacy that has been built over the last 50 years.”
We have been on a journey of transformation over recent years, with everyone in all areas of the business stepping up, pulling together and working incredibly hard to navigate the challenges the industry has faced, all the while embodying our mission, vision and values.
“Our business is in excellent shape, and we’re making huge strides in every area of our strategy. To have this recognised externally through the prestigious Best Managed Companies programme really is a humbling moment.”