Ward Hadaway Fastest 50: Entrepreneurship, adaptability and Yorkshire’s growth leaders
2025’s Fastest 50 keynote speaker on entrepreneurship, adaptability and Yorkshire’s growth leaders
Entrepreneur and investor Mark Roberts will take centre stage at Ward Hadaway Yorkshire Fastest 50 Awards to share his insights on what it takes to build and sustain a successful business in today’s economic climate.
With a background in launching and scaling high-growth businesses, Mark co-founded Beer Hawk, an online craft beer retailer based in Leeds.
He later helped develop Perfect Draft, a home beer tap system that changed the way consumers enjoy beer. Now an active investor, he works with fast-growing businesses across multiple industries, helping them navigate the challenges of expansion, innovation and resilience.
Ahead of the Fastest 50, Mark shares his thoughts on the importance of agility, what makes Yorkshire’s business community special and why the companies being celebrated this year are ones to watch.
“Yorkshire is full of businesses that don’t just adapt to change - they embrace it,” says Mark. “Building a business is never a straight path and the most successful companies are those that stay nimble, keep their customers at the heart of what they do and aren’t afraid to take calculated risks. That’s something I’ve seen first-hand and why I’m particularly excited to meet the companies that feature in this year’s Fastest 50.”
The region’s business landscape continues to develop at pace. From cutting-edge technology firms to long-established manufacturers, construction leaders and fast-scaling retail and logistics businesses, Yorkshire is home to an impressive mix of industries driving growth and innovation. This year’s Fastest 50 showcases the diversity of the region’s economy with businesses across sectors such as healthcare, financial services and energy demonstrating their ability to develop, expand and lead in competitive markets.
Mark continues: “The businesses we’re celebrating at this year’s Fastest 50 are proof that growth comes in many forms. Some have scaled quickly by seizing market opportunities, while others have built on solid foundations and taken steady, strategic steps forward. What unites them is an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to keep moving forward, whatever the circumstances.”
Mark also reflects on the challenges that growing businesses face and how Yorkshire companies are tackling them head-on. “The last few years have shown us that nothing stays still - whether that’s shifting economic conditions, supply chain issues, technological advances or changes in customer behaviour. The businesses that thrive are those that keep adapting, investing in their people and innovating to forge growth ahead of the market. It’s no surprise that Yorkshire continues to be a breeding ground for fast-growing companies.”
With the event just days away, Mark looks forward to hearing the stories behind this year’s winners.
He adds: “These awards are about recognising the ambition and determination that make Yorkshire’s business community so special. I can’t wait to celebrate their achievements on Friday.”
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