The “Dashing Dozen” are 12 standout UK companies with a proven track record of growth and resilience, spanning sectors from defence and engineering to retail and data services.
Featuring names like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Next, this group highlights the strength of UK businesses in the FTSE 100.
Their consistent performance makes them attractive to long-term investors seeking reliable growth, while also showing how diversification can help power portfolios forward.
When we think of stock market stars, it’s often the US names like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia that grab the headlines. But closer to home, a group of UK-listed companies has been quietly outperforming the wider market for years.1
They’ve been dubbed the “Dashing Dozen”. These are twelve firms that have consistently flown the flag for the UK.
A recent feature in MoneyWeek highlighted them for substantially outperforming the stock market and “clearly doing something right” so let’s take a look.
Who are the Dashing Dozen?
This group spans a range of sectors — from defence and engineering to gaming and data services. Some familiar names include:
- BAE Systems – benefiting from increased global defence spending.
- Rolls-Royce – rebounding strongly with a surge in aerospace demand.
- Games Workshop – the maker of Warhammer, proving that niche hobbies can mean big business.
- Next – a high-street and online retail giant with a proven ability to adapt and thrive
Other members of the Dashing Dozen include: London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Halma, Diploma, Goodwin, Cohort, Concurrent Technologies, RELX, and 3i Group.
What they have in common is a track record of consistent growth, with all 12 businesses profitable and all paying dividends1. These are qualities that appeal to investors building a long-term portfolio.
Always remember, when considering any investment, a diverse portfolio across different asset classes, sectors and regions can manage risk and smooth returns.
Why it matters to you
For years, FTSE 100 has been seen as a bit sluggish compared to US markets, but the “Dashing Dozen” prove that the UK market still packs some punch.
While not a guarantee of future performance, they do highlight that businesses with durable advantages and strong demand – in sectors like defence, data, and gaming – can offer investors both resilience and opportunity.
So next time you think about your portfolio mix, remember: sometimes the dash for growth doesn’t require looking across the Atlantic – it could be right here at home.
How Chip can help you take advantage
With Chip, we offer a range of index funds such as the FTSE 100, that include all of these high-growth companies in a single investment, as well as other popular indexes like the NASDAQ 100 and S&P 500.
Open a Stocks & Shares ISA in minutes, invest from £1, and manage everything right from our app. Just go to the ‘Invest’ tab to get started.
When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than your original investment.
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Important to know: This article isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure whether an investment is right for you, it’s a good idea to get advice first. Keep in mind that investments can go up and down in value, so you might get back less than you put in.
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