Operation of arts facilities Companies in the UK

SIC 90040Arts, entertainment and recreation|93% formed since 2020|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
2,646
Active

There are 2,646 active companies in the operation of arts facilities sector in the UK (SIC code 90040). This sector falls under Section R — Arts, entertainment and recreation — of the UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sector has a relatively low 8.2% dissolution rate — 2,646 of 3,094 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 93% of active businesses incorporated since 2020 — indicating strong recent demand. 82% of companies were formed after 2010, marking this as a sector with predominantly recent entrants. The average company age in this sector is 14.1 years. 74 large companies, 2 medium-sized firms operate in this sector. London leads with 26% of companies in this sector. Companies in this sector hold 25 government contracts valued at £3.9M. The sector's longest-standing company was incorporated in 1884.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

2,646
Active Companies
R
SIC Section
1884
Oldest Company
93%
Growth (2020s)
14.1 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 93% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
17%
36%
34%
Pre-1990: 153
1990s: 235
2000s: 522
2010s: 1,120
2020s: 1,042

Data Signals

Governance
11,7614 src
Financial
11,37410 src
Compliance
2,21514 src
Risk
1,8379 src
Trade
7922 src
quality
4843 src
innovation
3142 src
ESG
2624 src
growth
722 src
operational
41 src

Sector Overview

The operation of arts facilities sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">8.2% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 14.1 years old. Geographic concentration: 26% in LONDON.

8.2%
Dissolution rate
14.1 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 122 (62%)Medium: 2 (1%)Large: 74 (37%)

Government Activity

Companies in the operation of arts facilities sector have been awarded 25 government contracts worth £3.9M in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many operation of arts facilities companies are there in the UK?

There are 2,646 active companies classified under SIC code 90040 (Operation of arts facilities) in the UK, out of 3,094 total registered.

What is SIC code 90040?

SIC code 90040 stands for "Operation of arts facilities". It belongs to Section R — Arts, entertainment and recreation of the UK Standard Industrial Classification.

Where are most operation of arts facilities companies located?

The largest concentrations are in LONDON (676), GLASGOW (63), EDINBURGH (46).

What is the average age of operation of arts facilities companies?

The average active operation of arts facilities company in the UK is 14.1 years old, with the oldest registration dating back to 1884.

What government data is available for operation of arts facilities companies?

Our database contains 29,115 data signals across 10 categories for active operation of arts facilities companies. The largest category is Governance with 11,761 signals from 4 government sources.

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Data is updated daily from official UK government sources including Companies House. Information is provided for reference only.