Companies in Blackburn

United Kingdom|62.1% formed since 2020|8% inactive|Data updated 6 Sept 2026
9,778
Active

9,778 active companies are based in Blackburn according to Companies House records. Out of 11,780 companies ever registered here, 888 are no longer active — a 83% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 62.1% 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 584 companies. 106 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Blackburn is home to 214 FCA-regulated firms and 94 registered charities. Companies here hold 287 government contracts worth £395.9M in total. The average company age is 7.1 years. The earliest company registration in Blackburn dates back to 1861.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

9,778
Active Companies
11,780
Total Registered
1861
Oldest Company
62.1%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
26%
64%
Pre-1990: 199
1990s: 178
2000s: 845
2010s: 3,017
2020s: 7,381

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate584→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet549→Buying and selling of own real estate408→Other service activities n.e.c.360→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.314→Other human health activities289→Management consultancy activities other than financial management222→Other business support service activities n.e.c.221→Take-away food shops and mobile food stands200→Dormant Company162→

Data Signals

Governance
29,2066 src
Financial
18,96410 src
Compliance
6,00115 src
Risk
4,84411 src
Trade
9782 src
quality
9565 src
growth
3112 src
ESG
2156 src
operational
1351 src
innovation
1092 src
corporate_structure
101 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Blackburn

STAR ACADEMIES
Primary educationEst. 2010102 signals
CHUBB FIRE & SECURITY LIMITED
Activities of head officesEst. 195377 signals
VITAL ENERGI UTILITIES LIMITED
Steam and air conditioning supplyEst. 2000153 signals
THE KAY GROUP (UK) LIMITED
Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised storesEst. 198582 signals
BLACKBURN YOUTH ZONE
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 200924 signals
DANIEL THWAITES PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Manufacture of beerEst. 189797 signals
GENERAL ALL PURPOSE PLASTICS LIMITED
Manufacture of other plastic productsEst. 199255 signals
BRIGHT BLUE FOODS LIMITED
Manufacture of bread; manufacture of fresh pastry goods and cakesEst. 201235 signals
EG ON THE MOVE LIMITED
Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised storesEst. 202333 signals
EBP BUILDING PRODUCTS LIMITED
Agents involved in the sale of timber and building materialsEst. 192923 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Blackburn is 7.1 years old. There are 214 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 94 registered charities operate locally.

7.1 yrs
Avg company age
214
FCA regulated
94
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 86 (45%)Medium: 7 (4%)Large: 99 (52%)

Government Investment

Companies in Blackburn have been awarded 287 government contracts with a combined value of £395.9M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Blackburn?

There are 9,778 active companies registered in Blackburn, out of 11,780 total. 888 (8%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Blackburn?

The top industries in Blackburn include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (584 companies), Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (549 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (408 companies).

How fast is Blackburn growing as a business hub?

62.1% of currently active companies in Blackburn were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Blackburn?

Our database contains 61,731 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Blackburn. The largest category is Governance with 29,206 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Blackburn?

The oldest company registration in Blackburn dates back to 1861, spanning over 165 years of business history.

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