Companies in Plymouth

United Kingdom|52.6% formed since 2020|10% inactive|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
10,393
Active

10,393 active companies are based in Plymouth according to Companies House records. Out of 13,405 companies ever registered here, 1,288 are no longer active — a 78% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 52.6% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (66%) 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 651 companies. 95 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Plymouth is home to 249 FCA-regulated firms and 150 registered charities. Companies here hold 390 government contracts worth £281.6M in total. The average company age is 9.2 years. The earliest company registration in Plymouth dates back to 1871.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

10,393
Active Companies
13,405
Total Registered
1871
Oldest Company
52.6%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
10%
33%
51%
Pre-1990: 356
1990s: 435
2000s: 1,301
2010s: 4,337
2020s: 6,814

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate651→Residents property management633→Buying and selling of own real estate355→Development of building projects282→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.279→Management consultancy activities other than financial management257→Dormant Company208→Other business support service activities n.e.c.203→Other human health activities184→Take-away food shops and mobile food stands182→

Data Signals

Governance
42,6216 src
Financial
36,62210 src
Risk
5,94010 src
Compliance
4,60316 src
quality
1,1436 src
Trade
1,1062 src
innovation
7232 src
growth
4552 src
ESG
2396 src
operational
821 src
corporate_structure
201 src
regulatory
51 src

Top Companies in Plymouth

PRINCESS YACHTS LIMITED
Building of pleasure and sporting boatsEst. 1965107 signals
FOOT ANSTEY LLP
Est. 2010120 signals
LIVEWELL SOUTHWEST CIC
Hospital activitiesEst. 201146 signals
PLYMOUTH MARINE LABORATORY
Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineeringEst. 2001343 signals
PLESSEY SEMICONDUCTORS LIMITED
Manufacture of electronic componentsEst. 2000101 signals
THEATRE ROYAL (PLYMOUTH) LIMITED
Performing artsEst. 198137 signals
CDS (SUPERSTORES INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED
Other retail sale in non-specialised storesEst. 199299 signals
HQW AEROSPACE (UK) LIMITED
Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elementsEst. 194866 signals
KAWASAKI PRECISION MACHINERY (UK) LIMITED
Manufacture of fluid power equipmentEst. 199381 signals
IMPROVING LIVES PLYMOUTH
Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.Est. 199130 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Plymouth is 9.2 years old. There are 249 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 150 registered charities operate locally.

9.2 yrs
Avg company age
249
FCA regulated
150
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 92 (49%)Medium: 12 (6%)Large: 83 (44%)

Government Investment

Companies in Plymouth have been awarded 390 government contracts with a combined value of £281.6M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Plymouth?

There are 10,393 active companies registered in Plymouth, out of 13,405 total. 1,288 (10%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Plymouth?

The top industries in Plymouth include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (651 companies), Residents property management (633 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (355 companies).

How fast is Plymouth growing as a business hub?

52.6% of currently active companies in Plymouth were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Plymouth?

Our database contains 93,559 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Plymouth. The largest category is Governance with 42,621 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Plymouth?

The oldest company registration in Plymouth dates back to 1871, spanning over 155 years of business history.

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