Companies in Guildford

United Kingdom|43.7% formed since 2020|8% inactive|Data updated 12 Sept 2026
8,048
Active

8,048 active companies are based in Guildford according to Companies House records. Out of 9,314 companies ever registered here, 705 are no longer active — a 86% survival rate. Business formation remains steady, with 43.7% of current companies established since 2020. Over half (51%) of active companies were formed since 2020, making this one of the UK's fastest-growing business locations. The most common industry sector is management consultancy activities other than financial management, with 549 companies. The area hosts 154 large enterprises, 190 small firms. Guildford is home to 131 FCA-regulated firms and 99 registered charities. Companies here hold 584 government contracts worth £1.4B in total. The average company age is 10.8 years. The earliest company registration in Guildford dates back to 1887.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

8,048
Active Companies
9,314
Total Registered
1887
Oldest Company
43.7%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
12%
35%
44%
Pre-1990: 397
1990s: 393
2000s: 1,126
2010s: 3,208
2020s: 4,107

Top Industries

Management consultancy activities other than financial management549→Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate352→Buying and selling of own real estate322→Residents property management315→Other business support service activities n.e.c.303→Information technology consultancy activities249→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.212→Development of building projects209→Business and domestic software development188→Dormant Company163→

Data Signals

Governance
25,2666 src
Financial
18,03611 src
Compliance
6,18118 src
Risk
4,54210 src
Trade
8632 src
innovation
6842 src
growth
6102 src
quality
5495 src
ESG
1676 src
operational
551 src
corporate_structure
501 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Guildford

LGC LIMITED
Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.Est. 1994272 signals
SURREY SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Manufacture of electronic componentsEst. 1985140 signals
DISABILITY CHALLENGERS
Social work activities without accommodation for the elderly and disabledEst. 200128 signals
ELECTRONIC ARTS LIMITED
Other software publishingEst. 1986104 signals
WHIPLEY MANOR FARM LIMITED
Growing of cereals (except rice), leguminous crops and oil seedsEst. 193926 signals
CYCLISTS TOURING CLUB.
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 188723 signals
BAE SYSTEMS APPLIED INTELLIGENCE LIMITED
Information technology consultancy activitiesEst. 1977194 signals
SAFEGUARD COACHES LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 193321 signals
LGC GENOMICS LIMITED
Research and experimental development on biotechnologyEst. 201187 signals
F.G. BARNES & SONS LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 193636 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Guildford is 10.8 years old. There are 131 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 99 registered charities operate locally.

10.8 yrs
Avg company age
131
FCA regulated
99
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 190 (54%)Medium: 11 (3%)Large: 154 (43%)

Government Investment

Companies in Guildford have been awarded 584 government contracts with a combined value of £1365.2M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Guildford?

There are 8,048 active companies registered in Guildford, out of 9,314 total. 705 (8%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Guildford?

The top industries in Guildford include Management consultancy activities other than financial management (549 companies), Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (352 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (322 companies).

How fast is Guildford growing as a business hub?

43.7% of currently active companies in Guildford were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Guildford?

Our database contains 57,005 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Guildford. The largest category is Governance with 25,266 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Guildford?

The oldest company registration in Guildford dates back to 1887, spanning over 139 years of business history.

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