Companies in Chelmsford

United Kingdom|51% formed since 2020|10% inactive|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
12,794
Active

12,794 active companies are based in Chelmsford according to Companies House records. Out of 15,322 companies ever registered here, 1,566 are no longer active — a 84% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 51% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (62%) 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 770 companies. 110 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Chelmsford is home to 240 FCA-regulated firms and 134 registered charities. Companies here hold 221 government contracts worth £960.8M in total. The average company age is 9.1 years. The earliest company registration in Chelmsford dates back to 1884.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

12,794
Active Companies
15,322
Total Registered
1884
Oldest Company
51%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
10%
32%
53%
Pre-1990: 354
1990s: 437
2000s: 1,530
2010s: 4,846
2020s: 7,975

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate770→Buying and selling of own real estate642→Management consultancy activities other than financial management625→Information technology consultancy activities389→Other business support service activities n.e.c.377→Development of building projects362→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.342→Other service activities n.e.c.290→Residents property management260→Dormant Company259→

Data Signals

Governance
53,6026 src
Financial
45,16811 src
Risk
7,4858 src
Compliance
5,24518 src
Trade
1,4902 src
quality
1,0456 src
growth
2912 src
ESG
1956 src
operational
1371 src
innovation
1152 src
corporate_structure
341 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Chelmsford

RAYNOR FOODS LIMITED
Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.Est. 199942 signals
MARLBOROUGH HIGHWAYS LIMITED
Construction of roads and motorwaysEst. 199247 signals
FARLEIGH HOSPICE
Other human health activitiesEst. 198234 signals
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Activities of religious organizationsEst. 191429 signals
BEW ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
Non-specialised wholesale tradeEst. 198338 signals
BENEFIT COSMETICS LIMITED
Wholesale of perfume and cosmeticsEst. 200098 signals
GLOBAL MARINE SYSTEMS LIMITED
Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.Est. 198393 signals
SEYMOUR HOUSE LTD.
Pre-primary educationEst. 198738 signals
ACCELONIX LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 199835 signals
PHOENIX MEDICAL LTD.
Non-specialised wholesale tradeEst. 201422 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Chelmsford is 9.1 years old. There are 240 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 134 registered charities operate locally.

9.1 yrs
Avg company age
240
FCA regulated
134
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 124 (53%)Medium: 11 (5%)Large: 99 (42%)

Government Investment

Companies in Chelmsford have been awarded 221 government contracts with a combined value of £960.8M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Chelmsford?

There are 12,794 active companies registered in Chelmsford, out of 15,322 total. 1,566 (10%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Chelmsford?

The top industries in Chelmsford include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (770 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (642 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (625 companies).

How fast is Chelmsford growing as a business hub?

51% of currently active companies in Chelmsford were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Chelmsford?

Our database contains 114,809 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Chelmsford. The largest category is Governance with 53,602 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Chelmsford?

The oldest company registration in Chelmsford dates back to 1884, spanning over 142 years of business history.

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