Companies in Durham

United Kingdom|58.2% formed since 2020|10% inactive|Data updated 15 Sept 2026
5,352
Active

5,352 active companies are based in Durham according to Companies House records. Out of 6,466 companies ever registered here, 620 are no longer active — a 83% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 58.2% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (72%) 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 339 companies. 57 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Durham is home to 113 FCA-regulated firms and 69 registered charities. Companies here hold 451 government contracts worth £2.1B in total. The average company age is 7.5 years. The earliest company registration in Durham dates back to 1883.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

5,352
Active Companies
6,466
Total Registered
1883
Oldest Company
58.2%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
9%
28%
60%
Pre-1990: 91
1990s: 129
2000s: 572
2010s: 1,757
2020s: 3,836

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate339→Buying and selling of own real estate300→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet209→Management consultancy activities other than financial management204→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.151→Construction of domestic buildings113→Development of building projects108→Other business support service activities n.e.c.108→Construction of other civil engineering projects n.e.c.97→Other human health activities93→

Data Signals

Governance
16,2436 src
Financial
10,83910 src
Compliance
3,52915 src
Risk
2,7588 src
quality
6035 src
growth
4712 src
Trade
2572 src
innovation
1542 src
operational
791 src
ESG
786 src
corporate_structure
31 src

Top Companies in Durham

WAYTHROUGH
Other residential care activities n.e.c.Est. 198485 signals
DURHAM CITY GOLF CLUB LIMITED
Activities of sport clubsEst. 192724 signals
ANGLIAN WATER BUSINESS (NATIONAL) LIMITED
Water collection, treatment and supplyEst. 1995125 signals
C. A. BLACKWELL (CONTRACTS) LIMITED
Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.Est. 195644 signals
WATERSTONS LIMITED
Business and domestic software developmentEst. 199934 signals
RAMSIDE ESTATES LIMITED
Hotels and similar accommodationEst. 196329 signals
HIGH FORCE RESEARCH LIMITED
Manufacture of other chemical products n.e.c.Est. 198828 signals
HANDCRAFTED PROJECTS
Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.Est. 201124 signals
HARGREAVES SERVICES PLC
Activities of head officesEst. 200324 signals
DURHAM DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE
Activities of religious organizationsEst. 192323 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Durham is 7.5 years old. There are 113 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 69 registered charities operate locally.

7.5 yrs
Avg company age
113
FCA regulated
69
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 47 (45%)Medium: 3 (3%)Large: 54 (52%)

Government Investment

Companies in Durham have been awarded 451 government contracts with a combined value of £2119.8M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Durham?

There are 5,352 active companies registered in Durham, out of 6,466 total. 620 (10%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Durham?

The top industries in Durham include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (339 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (300 companies), Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (209 companies).

How fast is Durham growing as a business hub?

58.2% of currently active companies in Durham were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Durham?

Our database contains 35,014 data signals across 11 categories for active companies in Durham. The largest category is Governance with 16,243 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Durham?

The oldest company registration in Durham dates back to 1883, spanning over 143 years of business history.

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