Companies in Peterborough

United Kingdom|59.9% formed since 2020|12% inactive|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
17,809
Active

17,809 active companies are based in Peterborough according to Companies House records. Out of 22,345 companies ever registered here, 2,600 are no longer active — a 80% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 59.9% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (75%) 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 965 companies. The area hosts 159 large enterprises, 142 small firms. Peterborough is home to 419 FCA-regulated firms and 159 registered charities. Companies here hold 454 government contracts worth £5.5B in total. The average company age is 7.4 years. The earliest company registration in Peterborough dates back to 1883.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

17,809
Active Companies
22,345
Total Registered
1883
Oldest Company
59.9%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
29%
61%
Pre-1990: 401
1990s: 394
2000s: 1,522
2010s: 6,319
2020s: 13,423

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate965→Buying and selling of own real estate946→Freight transport by road887→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet613→Management consultancy activities other than financial management549→Other business support service activities n.e.c.493→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.467→Development of building projects396→Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles365→Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles358→

Data Signals

Governance
74,0016 src
Financial
58,26810 src
Risk
10,17711 src
Compliance
7,09417 src
Trade
2,3782 src
quality
2,1105 src
growth
5832 src
innovation
3912 src
ESG
3076 src
operational
2161 src
corporate_structure
511 src
regulatory
101 src

Top Companies in Peterborough

ROYAL MENCAP SOCIETY
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 1955275 signals
LAWRENCE DAVID LIMITED
Manufacture of trailers and semi-trailersEst. 197342 signals
YOURS CLOTHING LIMITED
Retail sale of clothing in specialised storesEst. 199479 signals
ROAD HAULAGE ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Activities of professional membership organizationsEst. 194430 signals
JOHN BRADSHAW LIMITED
Manufacture of motor vehiclesEst. 197626 signals
COLOPLAST LIMITED
Non-specialised wholesale tradeEst. 1973102 signals
UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Pre-primary educationEst. 200299 signals
BGL GROUP LIMITED
Activities of financial services holding companiesEst. 199198 signals
THE ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR DEAF PEOPLE
Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.Est. 194855 signals
KIDNEY RESEARCH UK
Other human health activitiesEst. 196741 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Peterborough is 7.4 years old. There are 419 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 159 registered charities operate locally.

7.4 yrs
Avg company age
419
FCA regulated
159
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 142 (44%)Medium: 19 (6%)Large: 159 (50%)

Government Investment

Companies in Peterborough have been awarded 454 government contracts with a combined value of £5452.6M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Peterborough?

There are 17,809 active companies registered in Peterborough, out of 22,345 total. 2,600 (12%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Peterborough?

The top industries in Peterborough include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (965 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (946 companies), Freight transport by road (887 companies).

How fast is Peterborough growing as a business hub?

59.9% of currently active companies in Peterborough were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Peterborough?

Our database contains 155,586 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Peterborough. The largest category is Governance with 74,001 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Peterborough?

The oldest company registration in Peterborough dates back to 1883, spanning over 143 years of business history.

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