Companies in Blackburn

United Kingdom|62.2% formed since 2020|11% inactive|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
9,685
Active

9,685 active companies are based in Blackburn according to Companies House records. Out of 11,937 companies ever registered here, 1,361 are no longer active — a 81% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 62.2% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (78%) of active companies were formed since 2020, making this one of the UK's fastest-growing business locations. The most common industry sector is other letting and operating of own or leased real estate, with 587 companies. 107 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Blackburn is home to 217 FCA-regulated firms and 92 registered charities. Companies here hold 302 government contracts worth £435.4M in total. The average company age is 7.2 years. The earliest company registration in Blackburn dates back to 1861.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

9,685
Active Companies
11,937
Total Registered
1861
Oldest Company
62.2%
Growth (2020s)

Blackburn is a growth hotspot — over half of its active companies were formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
25%
64%
Pre-1990: 200
1990s: 178
2000s: 839
2010s: 3,000
2020s: 7,560

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate587→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet556→Buying and selling of own real estate414→Other service activities n.e.c.358→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.318→Other human health activities285→Management consultancy activities other than financial management220→Other business support service activities n.e.c.214→Take-away food shops and mobile food stands192→Dormant Company159→

Data Signals

Governance
38,3685 src
Financial
29,81810 src
Risk
5,17010 src
Compliance
3,61815 src
Trade
1,6182 src
quality
1,0445 src
growth
3322 src
ESG
2135 src
operational
1361 src
innovation
1222 src
corporate_structure
101 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Blackburn

VITAL ENERGI UTILITIES LIMITED
Steam and air conditioning supplyEst. 2000156 signals
STAR ACADEMIES
Primary educationEst. 2010108 signals
THE KAY GROUP (UK) LIMITED
Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised storesEst. 198585 signals
CHUBB FIRE & SECURITY LIMITED
Activities of head officesEst. 195379 signals
GENERAL ALL PURPOSE PLASTICS LIMITED
Manufacture of other plastic productsEst. 199263 signals
BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 200927 signals
EG ON THE MOVE LIMITED
Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised storesEst. 202338 signals
BRIGHT BLUE FOODS LIMITED
Manufacture of bread; manufacture of fresh pastry goods and cakesEst. 201238 signals
CAREIUM UK LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 200062 signals
SPRING NORTH LTD
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 201127 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Blackburn is 7.2 years old. There are 217 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 92 registered charities operate locally.

7.2 yrs
Avg company age
217
FCA regulated
92
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 78 (42%)Medium: 11 (6%)Large: 96 (52%)

Government Investment

Companies in Blackburn have been awarded 302 government contracts with a combined value of £435.4M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Blackburn?

There are 9,685 active companies registered in Blackburn, out of 11,937 total. 1,361 (11%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Blackburn?

The top industries in Blackburn include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (587 companies), Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (556 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (414 companies).

How fast is Blackburn growing as a business hub?

62.2% of currently active companies in Blackburn were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Blackburn?

Our database contains 80,451 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Blackburn. The largest category is Governance with 38,368 signals from 5 sources.

When was the first company registered in Blackburn?

The oldest company registration in Blackburn dates back to 1861, spanning over 165 years of business history.

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