Banks earns accolade for sustained success

A North East property, housebuilding and mining firm has earned national recognition for a second consecutive year after demonstrating excellence across strategy, innovation and business performance.

The Banks Group, which is headquartered in Meadowfield, County Durham, has been named a winner in the 2026 UK Best Managed Companies programme, run by global advisory firm Deloitte to recognise the UK’s highest-performing private businesses.

The family-owned company is one of just three North East businesses and 19 organisations nationwide to receive the accolade. 

Entrants are assessed against global benchmarks and must demonstrate outstanding performance over the previous three years.

The award comes during Banks’ 50th anniversary year and follows another recent milestone, with the business celebrating 25 years of Investors in People accreditation for its commitment to people management.

Harry Banks OBE DL, chairman and chief executive of the Banks Group, said: “In this landmark year for the business, it feels especially pleasing to be identified once again as one of the UK’s top managed private companies and to have the quality of the work that every member of our team delivers gaining this level of recognition.

“The company’s long-term success has been built on continuous business improvement and innovation, and it remains at the heart of our operations today as much as it always has.”

Established in more than 45 territories worldwide, the UK Best Managed Companies programme recognises private businesses that make a significant contribution to their industries and the wider economy.

Independent judges assess applicants across four key business ‘pillars’: strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities and innovation, and governance and financial performance, highlighting Banks’ continued strength across every aspect of its business.

Nick Hobdey, group HR director at the Banks Group, added: “The Best Managed Companies programme goes into huge detail around all the different aspects of entrants’ business performance, strategic approach and company culture.

“To be recognised as having reached the highest standards for a second consecutive year is a real cause for celebration and will encourage us to keep aiming as high as we can in the future.

“It is testament to the excellence of the work we deliver, the commitment and abilities of the colleagues working across every part of our operations and the focus that we place on creating a vibrant workplace culture in which they can thrive.”

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.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.