Companies in Ashford

United Kingdom|51.4% formed since 2020|9% inactive|Data updated 13 Sept 2026
11,556
Active

11,556 active companies are based in Ashford according to Companies House records. Out of 13,677 companies ever registered here, 1,181 are no longer active — a 84% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 51.4% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (62%) 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 557 companies. The area hosts 103 large enterprises, 94 small firms. Ashford is home to 219 FCA-regulated firms and 98 registered charities. Companies here hold 226 government contracts worth £568.6M in total. The average company age is 8.9 years. The earliest company registration in Ashford dates back to 1862.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

11,556
Active Companies
13,677
Total Registered
1862
Oldest Company
51.4%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
10%
32%
53%
Pre-1990: 289
1990s: 384
2000s: 1,356
2010s: 4,379
2020s: 7,107

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate557→Buying and selling of own real estate526→Management consultancy activities other than financial management461→Other business support service activities n.e.c.353→Development of building projects350→Information technology consultancy activities285→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.250→Other service activities n.e.c.222→Other human health activities219→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet215→

Data Signals

Governance
35,6876 src
Financial
25,62611 src
Compliance
7,88616 src
Risk
5,67311 src
Trade
9052 src
quality
8415 src
growth
2562 src
operational
1941 src
ESG
1885 src
innovation
1282 src
corporate_structure
271 src

Top Companies in Ashford

INTEGRATED CARE 24
Other human health activitiesEst. 1996130 signals
SYSCO GB LIMITED
Non-specialised wholesale of food, beverages and tobaccoEst. 1986114 signals
COTY UK&I LTD
Retail sale of cosmetic and toilet articles in specialised storesEst. 193299 signals
FGS AGRI LIMITED
Growing of cereals (except rice), leguminous crops and oil seedsEst. 199333 signals
COTY MANUFACTURING UK LIMITED
Manufacture of perfumes and toilet preparationsEst. 1947106 signals
ICU MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Manufacture of other plastic productsEst. 194096 signals
P&O FERRIES LIMITED
Sea and coastal passenger water transportEst. 192987 signals
UNGERER LIMITED
Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.Est. 195949 signals
ENVAR COMPOSTING LIMITED
Treatment and disposal of non-hazardous wasteEst. 200129 signals
THE CALDECOTT FOUNDATION LIMITED
Other education n.e.c.Est. 194624 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Ashford is 8.9 years old. There are 219 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 98 registered charities operate locally.

8.9 yrs
Avg company age
219
FCA regulated
98
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 94 (47%)Medium: 3 (2%)Large: 103 (52%)

Government Investment

Companies in Ashford have been awarded 226 government contracts with a combined value of £568.6M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Ashford?

There are 11,556 active companies registered in Ashford, out of 13,677 total. 1,181 (9%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Ashford?

The top industries in Ashford include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (557 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (526 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (461 companies).

How fast is Ashford growing as a business hub?

51.4% of currently active companies in Ashford were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Ashford?

Our database contains 77,411 data signals across 11 categories for active companies in Ashford. The largest category is Governance with 35,687 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Ashford?

The oldest company registration in Ashford dates back to 1862, spanning over 164 years of business history.

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