Zest named the North’s fastest-growing business in 2026

Zest, the Leeds-based company that funds and operates electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for local authorities, brands and destinations, has been named the North of England’s fastest-growing business and ranked seventh overall in the 2026 UK Fast Growth Index. Zest was also recognised as the nation’s second fastest-growing green business, having increased its turnover by 1,548% over two years.

The recognition reflects Zest’s rapid expansion as it continues to invest in and roll out public EV charging infrastructure across the UK, supporting the growing demand for convenient and accessible charging for electric vehicle drivers.

Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said: “We’re proud to be recognised in the 2026 UK Fast Growth Index. Our growth reflects the hard work of our team and the increasing importance of making EV charging accessible to more people and communities across the UK.

“By working in partnership with local authorities, brands and destinations, we’re helping deliver the charging infrastructure needed to support the transition to electric vehicles. This recognition is a fantastic milestone for Zest, and I’d like to thank the UK Fast Growth Index for highlighting the achievements of ambitious businesses like ours.”

The 2026 UK Fast Growth Index identifies the 350 fastest-growing independent businesses across the UK’s nations and regions. Collectively, these businesses have more than doubled in size in two years, with combined turnover increasing from £4.3 billion in 2023 to £10.2 billion in2025 - representing growth of 137%.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, founder of the UK Fast Growth Index, said: "Zest is a great example of the extraordinary talent and ambition we see in businesses across every part of the UK. Earning a place on this year's Index, alongside firms that have together more than doubled in size in just two years, is a remarkable achievement, and the whole team should be very proud.

"At a time when we hear so much about the challenges facing the UK economy, businesses like Zest show what is possible when they are given the chance to grow. The challenge now is to help more of them become those incredible high-growth businesses that make a massive impact across the country."

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