ALMOST half of the total profit posted by the Top 50 SMEs can be attributed to businesses in York, and with the number one spot taken by one of the city's companies, there's no doubting York's prominence in the table.

With pre-tax profits £793,000 ahead of second place, S Harrison bosses say they have started the year on the back of "another sound profit performance" in 2014, with a balance sheet including cash reserves of more than £10 million.

The most profitably SME in North Yorkshire can be dated by to 1952, when it was founded by Stanley Harrison as a small Malton-building firm, before being developed by his son, and current chairman Martyn Harrison.

In 2007 the business changed direction and sold its highly successful construction operation to focus the team’s efforts on the property development side of the business.

Since then it has completed a number of high profile developments in York including City of York Council's £32 million West Offices development, new student accommodation for York St John University in Hungate, and the development of its own headquarters Stanley Harrison House, in the site of the former Time Office at the entrance to the Terry's site.

The company also works across the country and this month starting work on site at a £23 million development in Edinburgh.

Ann Scott, managing director at S Harrison, said: "Our business model is a long term one. We have a fantastic team with wide ranging skills and we establish long-term partnerships with businesses who share our commitment to quality.

"We’re always keen to talk open-mindedly, and that’s how we help businesses and individuals make the best out of their land and property assets.

"By redeveloping often derelict or under-utilised buildings on challenging sites, we bring new life and prosperity to the communities in which they are based."

Agricultural businesses feature heavily in the list with farming and associated operations accounting for a fifth of all York companies within the Top 50, and four of the Top 10 SMEs in York.

The most profitable agricultural business in York, and the second most profitable in the entire Top 50 list is C&K Wood egg producers in Newton upon Derwent.

Employing a team of seven, the business turns over £18.8 million, and recorded profits of £2.7 million, up form £2.2 million the previous year.

Pig farmers J.C Lister Farms, fowl processing firm Oakland Farms, and poultry farmers Ebco also appear in York's Top 10.

Digital and technology-based businesses also feature in York's Top 10, with Laratech coming third with its tailored employee management and security software systems recording pre-tax profits of £2.3 million, and international mobile communications solutions provider Cellhire returning £1.9 million.

York Press: