40. ARO

Revenue: £106.5m

Despite a challenging financial year that saw ARO post a post-tax loss of £43.7m, the IT services group is continuing to pursue an ambitious acquisition and integration strategy aimed at simplifying its corporate structure and positioning the business for long-term growth. The directors have confirmed they do not recommend a dividend for the year, with priorities firmly set on completing the absorption of recent acquisitions and hiving up assets ahead of strike-off proceedings for surplus entities.

The group, which prepares its financial statements under FRS 102, maintains that it remains a going concern and is committed to improving operational efficiency and employee engagement across its divisions. ARO places significant emphasis on internal communications, leveraging a bespoke employee app platform for feedback and engagement, and has invested heavily in talent development and training at all levels of the business.

While financial headwinds remain, ARO’s leadership continues to believe in the long-term value of its integration-led strategy and remains focused on delivering sustainable performance improvements across the group.