Here are the 10 top firms for international growth in the south                                                                                                                                             Â

The list has been compiled by the firm as part of its Central South Mid Market campaign, which seeks to recognise the region's best mid-market performers in the key areas including international activity and profit growth.

Consumer products and services are well-represented with Ancasta International Boat Sales, which has offices in Hamble, Port Solent and Lymington, Gillingham-based Dextra Group, Farrow & Ball in Wimborne, Bognor Regis-based JCC Lighting, Kondor in Christchurch and Luxury Travel Holdings in Westhampnett all featuring in the list. 

Global investment and finance firm, Just Develop IT, which is based in Fareham, along with manufacturers Magicard in Weymouth, PDQ Group in Fordingbridge and Solent Global Holdings in Christchurch are also included.

After four years highlighting the achievements of mid-market companies through its Central South Mid Market campaign, BDO partners said they are seeing new challenges.   

BDO partner Kim Hayward said: '˜Every company should be re-evaluating its international strategy, not only due to Brexit, but also because of what's happening in the States with protectionism and potential trade wars brewing and changing trends in India and China.'

BDO partner Arbinder Chatwal said: '˜Companies need to strike a balance between being cautious, and moving fast enough to beat the competition.

'˜One of the mantras we have pushed with clients before they go into new markets is that you can't do enough homework or due diligence. If it has made them more cautious, that's a positive benefit. The downside is for the very agile business, such as a fast-growth tech company, waiting 18 months could mean they miss the boat.'

BDO will present all the top performing international growth companies with a plaque to celebrate their achievements, and they will be shortlisted for the BDO Central South Mid Market International Company of the Year, to be announced in spring 2019.