Companies in Norwich

United Kingdom|50.4% formed since 2020|Data updated 21 Aug 2026
21,968
Active

21,968 active companies are currently registered in Norwich, a major UK business hub. Out of 27,640 companies ever registered here, 100 are no longer active — a 79% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 50.4% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (57%) 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 1,309 companies. The area hosts 215 large enterprises, 299 small firms. Norwich is home to 500 FCA-regulated firms and 284 registered charities. Companies here hold 774 government contracts worth £1.2B in total. The average company age is 9.4 years. The earliest company registration in Norwich dates back to 1888.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, August 2026

21,968
Active Companies
27,640
Total Registered
1888
Oldest Company
50.4%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
11%
37%
45%
Pre-1990: 880
1990s: 821
2000s: 3,139
2010s: 10,349
2020s: 12,451

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate1,309→Buying and selling of own real estate815→Management consultancy activities other than financial management814→Other business support service activities n.e.c.687→Development of building projects615→Dormant Company573→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.565→Residents property management479→Other service activities n.e.c.453→Other human health activities428→

Data Signals

Governance
69,8876 src
Financial
49,83011 src
Compliance
16,56118 src
Risk
10,15310 src
innovation
2,0352 src
quality
1,9106 src
Trade
1,7192 src
growth
9732 src
ESG
5736 src
operational
2721 src
corporate_structure
961 src
regulatory
121 src

Top Companies in Norwich

JOHN INNES CENTRE
Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineeringEst. 1952132 signals
NORFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST
Other service activities n.e.c.Est. 192629 signals
KETTLE FOODS LTD.
Processing and preserving of potatoesEst. 198892 signals
REDWINGS HORSE SANCTUARY
Raising of horses and other equinesEst. 199887 signals
VALEO CONFECTIONERY LIMITED
Manufacture of sugar confectioneryEst. 198696 signals
QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineeringEst. 199540 signals
LOTUS CARS LIMITED
Manufacture of motor vehiclesEst. 196733 signals
FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 193199 signals
INGRAM MICRO SERVICES LTD
Repair of consumer electronicsEst. 199893 signals
START-RITE SHOES LIMITED
Agents involved in the sale of textiles, clothing, fur, footwear and leather goodsEst. 191524 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Norwich is 9.4 years old. There are 500 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 284 registered charities operate locally.

9.4 yrs
Avg company age
500
FCA regulated
284
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 299 (55%)Medium: 25 (5%)Large: 215 (40%)

Government Investment

Companies in Norwich have been awarded 774 government contracts with a combined value of £1230.6M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Norwich?

There are 21,968 active companies registered in Norwich, out of 27,640 total. 100 (0%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Norwich?

The top industries in Norwich include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (1,309 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (815 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (814 companies).

How fast is Norwich growing as a business hub?

50.4% of currently active companies in Norwich were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Norwich?

Our database contains 154,021 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Norwich. The largest category is Governance with 69,887 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Norwich?

The oldest company registration in Norwich dates back to 1888, spanning over 138 years of business history.

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