Companies in Colchester

United Kingdom|48.3% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
16,103
Active

16,103 active companies are based in Colchester according to Companies House records. Out of 17,853 companies ever registered here, 31 are no longer active — a 90% survival rate. Business formation remains steady, with 48.3% of current companies established since 2020. Over half (53%) 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 776 companies. The area hosts 149 large enterprises, 171 small firms. Colchester is home to 353 FCA-regulated firms and 160 registered charities. Companies here hold 571 government contracts worth £1.0B in total. The average company age is 9.4 years. The earliest company registration in Colchester dates back to 1876.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

16,103
Active Companies
17,853
Total Registered
1876
Oldest Company
48.3%
Growth (2020s)

A diverse local economy with no single sector accounting for more than 15% of businesses.

Incorporation by Decade
12%
34%
47%
Pre-1990: 505
1990s: 631
2000s: 2,097
2010s: 6,150
2020s: 8,470

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate776→Other business support service activities n.e.c.732→Management consultancy activities other than financial management648→Residents property management643→Buying and selling of own real estate622→Development of building projects413→Information technology consultancy activities360→Other service activities n.e.c.326→Dormant Company324→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet316→

Data Signals

Governance
50,2366 src
Financial
31,72111 src
Compliance
10,50116 src
Risk
6,42411 src
Trade
1,2652 src
quality
1,2185 src
growth
6032 src
ESG
3156 src
operational
2081 src
innovation
992 src
corporate_structure
71 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Colchester

SUE RYDER
Other human health activitiesEst. 196855 signals
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 195928 signals
STOURGARDEN LIMITED
Wholesale of fruit and vegetablesEst. 199527 signals
CONSENSUS SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 2000129 signals
FORD RETAIL LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 192398 signals
AUTISM ANGLIA
Primary educationEst. 199738 signals
PROVIDE COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
Other human health activitiesEst. 201033 signals
COLCHESTER MERCURY THEATRE LIMITED
Performing artsEst. 194727 signals
COMMUNITY360
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 200218 signals
JACK SEALEY LIMITED
Wholesale of other machinery and equipmentEst. 1977105 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Colchester is 9.4 years old. There are 353 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 160 registered charities operate locally.

9.4 yrs
Avg company age
353
FCA regulated
160
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 171 (51%)Medium: 18 (5%)Large: 149 (44%)

Government Investment

Companies in Colchester have been awarded 571 government contracts with a combined value of £1012.4M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Colchester?

There are 16,103 active companies registered in Colchester, out of 17,853 total. 31 (0%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Colchester?

The top industries in Colchester include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (776 companies), Other business support service activities n.e.c. (732 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (648 companies).

How fast is Colchester growing as a business hub?

48.3% of currently active companies in Colchester were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Colchester?

Our database contains 102,599 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Colchester. The largest category is Governance with 50,236 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Colchester?

The oldest company registration in Colchester dates back to 1876, spanning over 150 years of business history.

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