Though our political landscape may currently be contentious, I hope everyone can take pride in the achievements of the British firms featured on this list.

Diverse consumer brands, innovative business service providers, creative children’s toymakers, cost-effective insurers, and awe-inspiring event organizers are all represented.

This variety indicates robust potential, giving me faith that, irrespective of the upcoming government, Britain has a strong foundation to build upon.

A former South Bromsgrove High School friend of mine, Liam Molesworth, has been quietly building a successful healthcare recruitment and consultancy firm, Clive Henry Group (No 2), alongside his co-founder, Sam Alsop-Hall.

While this industry might not typically attract young entrepreneurs, companies like Clive Henry offer crucial services. Executed effectively, they mitigate skills shortages for employers and demonstrate that high-growth businesses can emerge beyond the traditional tech and retail spheres.

Although challenges remain, we should feel optimistic about our prospects. In my overseas experience, “brand Britain” continues to hold strong. I have not noticed any decline in the regard for British brands in places like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the US, Canada, Turkey, Portugal, or Italy.

• The six high school friends now worth £1 billion

Our suppliers are clearly delighted to collaborate with a UK-based company. This positive perception is likely aided by the fact that many of their senior directors have spent time in the UK, often for university education. Britain’s soft power is significant; it fosters commercial relationships and shared interests.

As a child, I dreamed of working abroad and exploring the world. Gymshark has given me that opportunity. The more I travel, the more I appreciate the UK not just as a fantastic place to live but also as an excellent place for starting and growing a business. I hope this year’s listed companies have global ambitions and succeed in building incredible international businesses based here in the UK.

Aiming high is crucial. This entrepreneurial generation follows the paths laid by giants like Burberry, Cadbury, Dyson, Land Rover, and JCB, who have built iconic global brands. These companies continue to invest for the future, as evidenced by JCB’s commitment to hydrogen engines even while others retract.

• Explore the full list of companies on this year’s Sunday Times 100 — plus interviews, company profiles and more

Growing up, I fondly remember riding in my grandfather’s Land Rover and receiving Cadbury misshapes from my great-grandmother, who worked at the Bournville factory. The local, global brands that surrounded me in the West Midlands shaped my childhood.

Gymshark aspires to become a leading global British brand, taking inspiration from these established names. They demonstrate the importance of remaining agile in the short term while maintaining a long-term vision.

Success breeds confidence. Liam supported Gymshark from its early days—I even gave him one of our first tracksuits outside his home—and I believe our journey helped him overcome the initial challenges of starting his own business.

I’m midway through the third season of Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime Video and am an avid fan. I’ve met Jeremy Clarkson twice, and Kaleb Cooper is a close friend. It’s great to see their beer and cider brand, Hawkstone (No 24), recognized on this year’s list. Kaleb’s extensive agricultural knowledge is truly impressive, and their efforts to highlight British farming issues are commendable.

• How Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer is going global

When I first met Jeremy, I was nervous as a long-time Top Gear fan. However, he was incredibly kind and supportive of Gymshark, leaving a lasting impression on me. He didn’t have to say those things, but his encouragement was deeply appreciated. I hope Hawkstone continues to excel and inspirits others, just as Gymshark has.

I extend this message to all the founders of this year’s companies: be ambitious, think long-term, and aim to build enduring, stronger businesses. The more world-class enterprises we cultivate in the UK, the better.

Despite the political turbulence and possible changes in the upcoming election, I remain confident in the UK’s potential. This country is a fantastic place to start a business, as evidenced by the success of those on the Sunday Times 100. If they inspire you to start your own venture, take the leap. There are no barriers stopping you.

Ben Francis, 32, is the chief executive of Gymshark, which achieved sales of £556 million last year