UP to 86 firms in the North West have been identified by the London Stock Exchange as among the UK’s top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report.

The report, now in its second year, brings together the nation’s top SMEs which are driving the UK economy and transforming performance in their relevant sectors.

Among those singled out were specialist construction firm Abca Systems, based in Chadderton near Oldham, which has a turnover of up to £20m.

Another is AMR Textiles, a manufacturer of textiles on Merseyside, with revenue of up to £30m.

Wound care specialist Crawford Healthcare in Knutsford in Cheshire was also hailed in the list, which included 32 businesses from the Greater Manchester area.

Chief executive of Crawford Richard Anderson said: "In compiling this list, the London Stock Exchange Group has highlighted the businesses that are changing the face of the UK in 2015.

These are the businesses that are bringing new ideas to the market and promoting significant growth in the UK economy.”

Also on the list was fast-growing Cheshire retail firm The Hut Group which has a turnover of £200m and Lancashire financial services company Danbro which has a similar revenue level.