Companies in Colchester

United Kingdom|48.4% formed since 2020|9% inactive|Data updated 15 Sept 2026
15,659
Active

15,659 active companies are based in Colchester according to Companies House records. Out of 18,762 companies ever registered here, 1,780 are no longer active — a 83% survival rate. Business formation remains steady, with 48.4% of current companies established 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 783 companies. The area hosts 133 large enterprises, 169 small firms. Colchester is home to 351 FCA-regulated firms and 148 registered charities. Companies here hold 573 government contracts worth £639.3M in total. The average company age is 9.6 years. The earliest company registration in Colchester dates back to 1876.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

15,659
Active Companies
18,762
Total Registered
1876
Oldest Company
48.4%
Growth (2020s)

A diverse local economy with no single sector accounting for more than 15% of businesses.

Incorporation by Decade
11%
33%
50%
Pre-1990: 512
1990s: 640
2000s: 2,109
2010s: 6,094
2020s: 9,216

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate783→Other business support service activities n.e.c.676→Residents property management644→Buying and selling of own real estate642→Management consultancy activities other than financial management640→Development of building projects402→Information technology consultancy activities330→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.316→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet308→Other human health activities306→

Data Signals

Governance
48,6976 src
Financial
35,15610 src
Compliance
10,76318 src
Risk
7,55310 src
quality
1,9986 src
Trade
1,2242 src
growth
6212 src
ESG
2826 src
innovation
2142 src
operational
2101 src
corporate_structure
141 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Colchester

SUE RYDER
Other human health activitiesEst. 1968134 signals
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 195933 signals
STOURGARDEN LIMITED
Wholesale of fruit and vegetablesEst. 199536 signals
AUTISM ANGLIA
Primary educationEst. 199739 signals
CONSENSUS SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 2000167 signals
FORD RETAIL LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 1923102 signals
MSX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 198554 signals
COMMUNITY360
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 200223 signals
PROVIDE COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
Other human health activitiesEst. 201034 signals
COLCHESTER MERCURY THEATRE LIMITED
Performing artsEst. 194729 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Colchester is 9.6 years old. There are 351 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 148 registered charities operate locally.

9.6 yrs
Avg company age
351
FCA regulated
148
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 169 (53%)Medium: 16 (5%)Large: 133 (42%)

Government Investment

Companies in Colchester have been awarded 573 government contracts with a combined value of £639.3M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Colchester?

There are 15,659 active companies registered in Colchester, out of 18,762 total. 1,780 (9%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Colchester?

The top industries in Colchester include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (783 companies), Other business support service activities n.e.c. (676 companies), Residents property management (644 companies).

How fast is Colchester growing as a business hub?

48.4% of currently active companies in Colchester were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Colchester?

Our database contains 106,734 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Colchester. The largest category is Governance with 48,697 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Colchester?

The oldest company registration in Colchester dates back to 1876, spanning over 150 years of business history.

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