RSK ranked third in Grant Thornton Cheshire LTD 2026 report
RSK has been ranked third in the inaugural Grant Thornton Cheshire LTD report, which recognises the 100 largest privately owned businesses in Cheshire by turnover.
The report showcases some of the region’s most successful and influential businesses and highlights the contribution they make to the Cheshire economy. It states that Cheshire’s Top 100 privately owned businesses generated a combined turnover of £29.4 billion, with EBITDA reaching £2.1 billion and employment rising by 6.2% across the county over the year to March 2026. Turnover increased by 9.6% alongside continued improvements in profitability and scale, reflecting strong trading conditions and businesses making confident investment choices.
Cheshire roots and global growth
Founded in Helsby, Cheshire, in 1989, RSK was originally focused on providing environmental consultancy services to global energy clients. Today, while the group remains a leader in environmental consultancy, the business is significantly more diverse. RSK delivers an unrivalled breadth and depth of environmental and engineering services, either as stand-alone projects or as large and integrated multidisciplinary solutions.
The group today comprises more than 200 businesses and employs more than 17,000 people worldwide, bringing together expertise across water, energy, infrastructure, and the natural and built environment.
Supporting clients with integrated, multidisciplinary expertise
As a global leader in environmental and engineering solutions, RSK supports clients and societies as they respond to complex challenges. The group’s multidisciplinary model enables specialist businesses to work together, providing practical advice, engineering, digital solutions and delivery services across projects ranging from one-off schemes to large, integrated programmes.
Recognition for RSK people and clients
RSK founder and Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “We are very pleased and proud to be recognised in the Grant Thornton Cheshire LTD 2026 report. We haven’t forgotten where we began and, while we continue our significant business growth around the world, we have chosen to remain headquartered in Cheshire.
“This recognition reflects the hard work, expertise and commitment of our people across the group, as well as the trust our clients place in us to deliver projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Strengthening Cheshire’s business community
Alan added that the report highlights the strength of Cheshire’s business community and reinforces RSK’s position as one of the region’s largest privately owned employers and businesses.
The ranking also reflects the continued growth of organisations that are contributing to economic development in Cheshire, across the UK and internationally.
Grant Thornton UK Partner, Co-Head of Entrepreneurial & SME Services, Gareth Hitchmough, said: RSK’s place in this year’s Cheshire LTD is a great example of what sits behind the county’s numbers. Cheshire’s appeal as a base for businesses operating across the UK and beyond comes from more than just turnover figures – it’s about strong connectivity, access to talent and a business community with genuine international reach. RSK’s continued and accelerated expansion into a global market, while maintaining the commitment to invest in and grow from its Cheshire-based head office, reflects exactly that. We’re delighted to recognise their contribution in this year’s report.”