Smiths Group gives shares worth up to £400 to more than 10,000 staff to mark its 175th anniversary

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026.

Engineering giant Smiths Group is awarding shares worth up to £400 to every permanent employee worldwide, as the company marks 175 years since Samuel Smith opened his first London jewellery and watchmaking shop in 1851. The one-off grant will reach more than 10,000 full-time and part-time staff globally, with the shares vesting in November 2028 provided employees remain with the business. Chief executive Roland Carter said the award was the company's way of saying "thank you" to the people who drive its success.

Smiths reported adjusted operating profit of £399 million for the year to July, up 2.1% on the previous year.

Staff in countries where local laws prevent share grants will instead receive an equivalent cash-based award.

The company sold off parts of the business last year to focus on its John Crane and Flex-Tek subsidiaries.