Companies in Leeds

United Kingdom|56% formed since 2020|8% inactive|Data updated 6 Sept 2026
48,337
Active

48,337 active companies are currently registered in Leeds, a major UK business hub. Out of 60,502 companies ever registered here, 4,764 are no longer active — a 80% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 56% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (68%) 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 2,973 companies. The area hosts 887 large enterprises, 741 small firms. Leeds is home to 1,059 FCA-regulated firms and 498 registered charities. Companies here hold 3,652 government contracts worth £12.0B in total. The average company age is 8.3 years. The earliest company registration in Leeds dates back to 1873.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

48,337
Active Companies
60,502
Total Registered
1873
Oldest Company
56%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
9%
30%
55%
Pre-1990: 1,760
1990s: 1,547
2000s: 5,313
2010s: 18,095
2020s: 32,980

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate2,973→Buying and selling of own real estate2,865→Management consultancy activities other than financial management1,813→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.1,453→Other business support service activities n.e.c.1,329→Information technology consultancy activities1,314→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet1,155→Development of building projects1,029→Other human health activities985→Residents property management857→

Data Signals

Governance
147,3696 src
Financial
98,49312 src
Compliance
32,34919 src
Risk
28,45411 src
quality
4,4206 src
growth
4,2192 src
Trade
3,5082 src
ESG
1,4996 src
innovation
9562 src
operational
4871 src
corporate_structure
2621 src
regulatory
211 src

Top Companies in Leeds

LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY
First-degree level higher educationEst. 200777 signals
DONCASTERS LIMITED
Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.Est. 193661 signals
ST ANNE'S COMMUNITY SERVICES
Renting and operating of Housing Association real estateEst. 1972159 signals
NG BAILEY LIMITED
Electrical installationEst. 1938108 signals
LANES GROUP LIMITED
SewerageEst. 199969 signals
WALKER MORRIS LLP
Est. 200864 signals
ST. GEMMA'S HOSPICE
Hospital activitiesEst. 199238 signals
LEEDS UNIVERSITY UNION
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 201033 signals
BRENNTAG UK LIMITED
Manufacture of other organic basic chemicalsEst. 2004121 signals
POLYPIPE LIMITED
Manufacture of plastics in primary formsEst. 1973106 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Leeds is 8.3 years old. There are 1,059 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 498 registered charities operate locally.

8.3 yrs
Avg company age
1,059
FCA regulated
498
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 741 (44%)Medium: 62 (4%)Large: 887 (52%)

Government Investment

Companies in Leeds have been awarded 3,652 government contracts with a combined value of £12042.5M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Leeds?

There are 48,337 active companies registered in Leeds, out of 60,502 total. 4,764 (8%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Leeds?

The top industries in Leeds include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (2,973 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (2,865 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (1,813 companies).

How fast is Leeds growing as a business hub?

56% of currently active companies in Leeds were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Leeds?

Our database contains 322,037 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Leeds. The largest category is Governance with 147,369 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Leeds?

The oldest company registration in Leeds dates back to 1873, spanning over 153 years of business history.

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