Who are the most successful British companies, ever?

There have been many successful British companies throughout history, and the specific companies that are considered the most successful will depend on the criteria used to define success. Some of the most successful British companies ever, based on various measures of success, include:

• HSBC: HSBC is one of the largest and most successful banks in the world, with a history dating back to the 19th century. It has operations in over 65 countries and is considered one of the most stable and well-regarded financial institutions in the world.
  
  
• British Petroleum (BP): BP is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, with operations in over 70 countries. It is a leading player in the energy sector and has a long history of success and innovation.
  
  
• Unilever: Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company with a diverse portfolio of products, including household and personal care products, food and beverage products, and cleaning products. It is one of the largest and most successful companies in the world in its industry.
  
  
• Vodafone: Vodafone is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, with operations in over 30 countries. It is a leader in the mobile and broadband markets and has a strong track record of innovation and growth.
  
  
• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): GSK is a multinational pharmaceutical company that is known for its innovative and life-saving drugs. It is one of the largest and most successful pharmaceutical companies in the world.
  
  
• AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca is another multinational pharmaceutical company that is known for its innovative and high-quality drugs. It is one of the largest and most successful pharmaceutical companies in the world, with a strong presence in both the developed and emerging markets.
  
  
• Tesco: Tesco is one of the largest and most successful retailers in the world, with operations in over a dozen countries. It is known for its wide range of products and services and has a strong track record of growth and innovation.
  
  
• British Airways: British Airways is one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world, with a strong global network and a long history of innovation and customer service.
  
  
• Rolls-Royce: Rolls-Royce is a global engineering company that is known for its innovative and high-quality products, including aircraft engines and power systems. It is one of the most successful and respected companies in its industry.
  
  
• Diageo: Diageo is a multinational alcoholic beverage company that is known for its popular and high-quality brands, such as Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Smirnoff. It is one of the largest and most successful alcoholic beverage companies in the world.