Companies in Portsmouth

United Kingdom|53.2% formed since 2020|10% inactive|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
9,234
Active

9,234 active companies are based in Portsmouth according to Companies House records. Out of 11,462 companies ever registered here, 1,145 are no longer active — a 81% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 53.2% 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 681 companies. 78 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Portsmouth is home to 177 FCA-regulated firms and 101 registered charities. Companies here hold 371 government contracts worth £228.5M in total. The average company age is 8.5 years. The earliest company registration in Portsmouth dates back to 1891.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

9,234
Active Companies
11,462
Total Registered
1891
Oldest Company
53.2%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
9%
33%
54%
Pre-1990: 222
1990s: 316
2000s: 981
2010s: 3,682
2020s: 6,098

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate681→Buying and selling of own real estate321→Management consultancy activities other than financial management306→Other business support service activities n.e.c.294→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.280→Residents property management246→Development of building projects244→Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.198→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet168→Other service activities n.e.c.160→

Data Signals

Governance
38,6366 src
Financial
31,56810 src
Risk
5,26811 src
Compliance
3,87717 src
Trade
1,0882 src
quality
8705 src
growth
4462 src
ESG
2076 src
innovation
1622 src
operational
991 src
corporate_structure
51 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Portsmouth

WIGHTLINK LIMITED
Sea and coastal passenger water transportEst. 197234 signals
MOUNTJOY LTD
Combined facilities support activitiesEst. 200653 signals
BELL MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED
Other information technology service activitiesEst. 199537 signals
HARWIN PLC
Manufacture of electronic componentsEst. 195226 signals
PALL EUROPE LIMITED
Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery n.e.c.Est. 2010114 signals
THE GUILDHALL TRUST
Performing artsEst. 201130 signals
KINTO UK LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 1965129 signals
NOVATECH LIMITED
Manufacture of computers and peripheral equipmentEst. 199127 signals
LIUGONG MACHINERY (UK) LIMITED
Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c.Est. 200926 signals
COBRA COFFEE LIMITED
Unlicensed restaurants and cafesEst. 201325 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Portsmouth is 8.5 years old. There are 177 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 101 registered charities operate locally.

8.5 yrs
Avg company age
177
FCA regulated
101
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 78 (50%)Medium: 11 (7%)Large: 67 (43%)

Government Investment

Companies in Portsmouth have been awarded 371 government contracts with a combined value of £228.5M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Portsmouth?

There are 9,234 active companies registered in Portsmouth, out of 11,462 total. 1,145 (10%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Portsmouth?

The top industries in Portsmouth include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (681 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (321 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (306 companies).

How fast is Portsmouth growing as a business hub?

53.2% of currently active companies in Portsmouth were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Portsmouth?

Our database contains 82,228 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Portsmouth. The largest category is Governance with 38,636 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Portsmouth?

The oldest company registration in Portsmouth dates back to 1891, spanning over 135 years of business history.

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