Press release

Opencast in Top 20 fastest growing companies in the North East

4 November 2022

Tyneside-headquartered tech consultancy Opencast has been ranked 20th in a list of the 50 fastest growing companies in the English North East.

The prestigious Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards, in association with leading North East publication The Journal, celebrate growth, innovation and the commercial achievements of North East businesses. The rankings were announced on 4 November at BALTIC in Gateshead.

Based on financial data filed with Companies House, the list ranks the 50 best-performing privately owned companies that have consistently increased turnover over the past three financial years, whilst remaining profitable.

Opencast is ranked 20th in the list after another year of sustained growth that saw turnover increase by 55% year on year. The company has scaled rapidly in the past year, with significant increases in both financial performance and people numbers that have exceeded expectations. Today the company employs close to 400 people.

Read the full 2022 Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 list here.

Opencast is ranked 20th in the Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 list

Growth in response to challenges

2022 has seen Opencast celebrate its 10th anniversary – and it has been busier than ever for the business. Alongside a new corporate HQ, it has opened office hubs in London, Leeds and Edinburgh.

Damien Charlton, partner at Ward Hadaway's Newcastle Office, said, "Congratulations to Opencast for featuring in the 2022 Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50. It’s an incredible achievement and testament to your talented team, innovation and passion for your business and the industry you work within.

“Sectors including manufacturing, engineering, construction, technology and retail feature in this year’s Fastest 50 and we’re seeing regional businesses continue to excel which, in turn, has seen continued growth and development.

“This year’s Fastest 50 list demonstrates the unique spirit of North East businesses and how they’re determined to push boundaries, try something different and overcome any challenges they face along the way. We’re delighted to celebrate this recognition with you, and you should feel extremely proud of your achievements".

Opencast chief executive Tom Lawson said: “We are very pleased to be included in the top 20 on the Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 list of North East businesses. Opencast’s growth, which has been way faster than expected, is in response to increasing demand from clients who are tackling complex challenges. Many of these clients and partners are in government, delivering important public services to citizens.

“We expect our growth to accelerate even faster in the coming year. I’m proud of everyone working at Opencast during this period of sustained growth. Despite our rapid growth, we’re determined that Opencast won’t lose its people-focused culture – and looking after our people remains a top priority.

“Congratulations to all the great businesses on the Fastest 50 list – and thanks to Ward Hadaway for the work it does to promote North East enterprise.”

We expect our growth to accelerate even faster in the coming year. I’m proud of everyone working at Opencast during this period of sustained growth

Notes to editors

About Opencast

Opencast is a growing team of specialists who work at the heart of government, global finance and growth enterprise with a range of technology and digital consultancy services. Our OpenCulture empowers independent-minded people in our mission to do the right thing for our clients, our team and wider society: good teamwork to make life better.

Opencast specialises in developing end-to-end enterprise solutions for government, health and social care providers and global financial services, as well as for renewable energy and regional enterprises.

We provide services in digital architecture, user-centred design, software, digital & technical delivery, DevOps, cloud & platform engineering, and live services support.

Opencast was founded in 2012 by co-chairs Charlie Hoult and Mike O’Brien. It is headquartered at Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, with our people located nationwide, including in London, Leeds, Edinburgh, York and Manchester.

Opencast clients

Public sector
Acas
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Department of Health and Social Care
Department for Work and Pensions
Government Digital Service
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Marine Management Organisation
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Justice

Healthcare

NHS
NHS Business Services Authority
eConsult

Financial services and insurance
Barclays
Breaking Wave
JP Morgan Chase
Morgan Stanley
Newcastle Building Society
RBS
Lycetts
Insure the Box
Ibacas

Renewable energy
Mer
Natural Power
Offshore and Renewable Energy Catapult
Wind Energy Benchmarking Services

Voluntary sector
Citizens Advice

Loading...