Companies in Chelmsford

United Kingdom|50.4% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
12,656
Active

12,656 active companies are based in Chelmsford according to Companies House records. Out of 14,092 companies ever registered here, 40 are no longer active — a 90% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 50.4% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (55%) 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 741 companies. The area hosts 102 large enterprises, 127 small firms. Chelmsford is home to 242 FCA-regulated firms and 140 registered charities. Companies here hold 233 government contracts worth £1.1B in total. The average company age is 9.0 years. The earliest company registration in Chelmsford dates back to 1884.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

12,656
Active Companies
14,092
Total Registered
1884
Oldest Company
50.4%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
11%
34%
50%
Pre-1990: 367
1990s: 441
2000s: 1,542
2010s: 4,758
2020s: 6,984

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate741→Management consultancy activities other than financial management629→Buying and selling of own real estate607→Information technology consultancy activities392→Other business support service activities n.e.c.380→Development of building projects340→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.314→Dormant Company301→Other service activities n.e.c.287→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet259→

Data Signals

Governance
39,3135 src
Financial
25,29111 src
Compliance
8,14115 src
Risk
5,4669 src
Trade
8582 src
quality
5836 src
growth
2502 src
ESG
1756 src
operational
1211 src
innovation
582 src
corporate_structure
181 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Chelmsford

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Activities of religious organizationsEst. 191429 signals
RAYNOR FOODS LIMITED
Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.Est. 199929 signals
FARLEIGH HOSPICE
Other human health activitiesEst. 198225 signals
MARLBOROUGH HIGHWAYS LIMITED
Construction of roads and motorwaysEst. 199237 signals
SEYMOUR HOUSE LTD.
Pre-primary educationEst. 198730 signals
BENEFIT COSMETICS LIMITED
Wholesale of perfume and cosmeticsEst. 200090 signals
FIRST ESSEX BUSES LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 198588 signals
GLOBAL MARINE SYSTEMS LIMITED
Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.Est. 198387 signals
BEW ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
Non-specialised wholesale tradeEst. 198332 signals
EASTERN COUNTIES LAUNDRIES LIMITED
Washing and (dry-)cleaning of textile and fur productsEst. 193028 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Chelmsford is 9 years old. There are 242 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 140 registered charities operate locally.

9 yrs
Avg company age
242
FCA regulated
140
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 127 (54%)Medium: 8 (3%)Large: 102 (43%)

Government Investment

Companies in Chelmsford have been awarded 233 government contracts with a combined value of £1098.0M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Chelmsford?

There are 12,656 active companies registered in Chelmsford, out of 14,092 total. 40 (0%) 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 (741 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (629 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (607 companies).

How fast is Chelmsford growing as a business hub?

50.4% 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 80,276 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Chelmsford. The largest category is Governance with 39,313 signals from 5 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.