Companies in Portsmouth

United Kingdom|53% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
9,040
Active

9,040 active companies are based in Portsmouth according to Companies House records. Out of 10,359 companies ever registered here, 19 are no longer active — a 87% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 53% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (59%) 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 606 companies. 71 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Portsmouth is home to 165 FCA-regulated firms and 105 registered charities. Companies here hold 342 government contracts worth £209.8M in total. The average company age is 8.3 years. The earliest company registration in Portsmouth dates back to 1891.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

9,040
Active Companies
10,359
Total Registered
1891
Oldest Company
53%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
9%
34%
51%
Pre-1990: 219
1990s: 304
2000s: 944
2010s: 3,566
2020s: 5,326

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate606→Buying and selling of own real estate342→Other business support service activities n.e.c.307→Management consultancy activities other than financial management302→Development of building projects276→Residents property management248→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.230→Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.188→Other service activities n.e.c.175→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet167→

Data Signals

Governance
27,7325 src
Financial
17,33811 src
Compliance
5,67815 src
Risk
3,87611 src
Trade
6532 src
quality
4495 src
growth
3592 src
ESG
1985 src
operational
921 src
innovation
522 src
corporate_structure
51 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Portsmouth

WIGHTLINK LIMITED
Sea and coastal passenger water transportEst. 197232 signals
HARWIN PLC
Manufacture of electronic componentsEst. 195225 signals
MOUNTJOY LTD
Combined facilities support activitiesEst. 200645 signals
PALL EUROPE LIMITED
Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery n.e.c.Est. 201072 signals
BELL MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED
Other information technology service activitiesEst. 199534 signals
THE GUILDHALL TRUST
Performing artsEst. 201124 signals
COBRA COFFEE LIMITED
Unlicensed restaurants and cafesEst. 201323 signals
PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS
Activities of sport clubsEst. 199617 signals
KINTO UK LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 1965117 signals
LIQUID FRIDAY LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 200665 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Portsmouth is 8.3 years old. There are 165 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 105 registered charities operate locally.

8.3 yrs
Avg company age
165
FCA regulated
105
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 81 (53%)Medium: 8 (5%)Large: 63 (41%)

Government Investment

Companies in Portsmouth have been awarded 342 government contracts with a combined value of £209.8M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Portsmouth?

There are 9,040 active companies registered in Portsmouth, out of 10,359 total. 19 (0%) 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 (606 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (342 companies), Other business support service activities n.e.c. (307 companies).

How fast is Portsmouth growing as a business hub?

53% 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 56,434 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Portsmouth. The largest category is Governance with 27,732 signals from 5 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.