Companies in Chelmsford

United Kingdom|51.2% formed since 2020|6% inactive|Data updated 5 Sept 2026
12,622
Active

12,622 active companies are based in Chelmsford according to Companies House records. Out of 14,830 companies ever registered here, 957 are no longer active — a 85% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 51.2% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (61%) 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 754 companies. The area hosts 101 large enterprises, 119 small firms. Chelmsford is home to 242 FCA-regulated firms and 134 registered charities. Companies here hold 214 government contracts worth £748.7M in total. The average company age is 9.1 years. The earliest company registration in Chelmsford dates back to 1884.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

12,622
Active Companies
14,830
Total Registered
1884
Oldest Company
51.2%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
10%
32%
52%
Pre-1990: 355
1990s: 439
2000s: 1,489
2010s: 4,704
2020s: 7,663

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate754→Management consultancy activities other than financial management641→Buying and selling of own real estate626→Information technology consultancy activities389→Other business support service activities n.e.c.365→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.342→Development of building projects335→Other service activities n.e.c.286→Residents property management264→Dormant Company261→

Data Signals

Governance
39,0506 src
Financial
27,53211 src
Compliance
8,51018 src
Risk
6,6729 src
quality
9606 src
Trade
8522 src
growth
2542 src
ESG
1926 src
operational
1291 src
innovation
1042 src
corporate_structure
311 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Chelmsford

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Activities of religious organizationsEst. 191430 signals
RAYNOR FOODS LIMITED
Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.Est. 199937 signals
FARLEIGH HOSPICE
Other human health activitiesEst. 198230 signals
MARLBOROUGH HIGHWAYS LIMITED
Construction of roads and motorwaysEst. 199239 signals
SEYMOUR HOUSE LTD.
Pre-primary educationEst. 198736 signals
BENEFIT COSMETICS LIMITED
Wholesale of perfume and cosmeticsEst. 200095 signals
FIRST ESSEX BUSES LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 198592 signals
GLOBAL MARINE SYSTEMS LIMITED
Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.Est. 198388 signals
NEW HALL SCHOOL TRUST
Pre-primary educationEst. 200551 signals
BEW ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
Non-specialised wholesale tradeEst. 198332 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Chelmsford is 9.1 years old. There are 242 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 134 registered charities operate locally.

9.1 yrs
Avg company age
242
FCA regulated
134
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 119 (52%)Medium: 11 (5%)Large: 101 (44%)

Government Investment

Companies in Chelmsford have been awarded 214 government contracts with a combined value of £748.7M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Chelmsford?

There are 12,622 active companies registered in Chelmsford, out of 14,830 total. 957 (6%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Chelmsford?

The top industries in Chelmsford include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (754 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (641 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (626 companies).

How fast is Chelmsford growing as a business hub?

51.2% of currently active companies in Chelmsford were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Chelmsford?

Our database contains 84,288 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Chelmsford. The largest category is Governance with 39,050 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Chelmsford?

The oldest company registration in Chelmsford dates back to 1884, spanning over 142 years of business history.

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