35. Bechtle

Revenue: £115.5m

Bechtle UK endured a tough trading environment in 2023 but managed to maintain a solid financial footing despite economic headwinds. The VAR reported a slight drop in turnover of 2.7 per cent to £115.5m, while gross profit margin rose to 15.16 per cent from 13.64 per cent the previous year. Net profit before tax fell 16% to £3.8m, a result the directors still described as pleasing in light of the macroeconomic climate.

A key strategic move in the year was Bechtle UK's £66m acquisition of Tangible Benefit Limited, funded via capital injection from parent firm Bechtle E-Commerce Holding AG. The purchase forms part of Bechtle AG’s wider strategy to expand its footprint in the UK through targeted acquisitions, which also included Qolcom and DriveWorks in 2024.

The UK business is focused on maximising profits through sales and margin growth supported by cost control. While inflation and customer payment risks persist, the company says it manages these challenges through tight credit controls and agile procurement.

Group-wide, Bechtle has flagged the UK as one of the territories showing significant growth, even as revenue in its home market of Germany fell in Q1 2025. CEO Dr Thomas Olemotz said signs of recovery in March and April give the group confidence for H2.

Bechtle UK was recently criticised online over perceived elitism in its recruitment practices, with a candidate claiming they were rejected due to not attending a Russell Group university. MD James Napp moved to distance the company from the controversy, insisting the comment did not reflect Bechtle's values or policies. “There is no stipulation for any kind of degree at Bechtle,” Napp told CRN, adding that many of its most successful staff joined straight from school or through apprenticeships. “We are the polar opposite of elitist.”