Companies in Peterborough

United Kingdom|59.9% formed since 2020|7% inactive|Data updated 4 Sept 2026
18,101
Active

18,101 active companies are based in Peterborough according to Companies House records. Out of 22,111 companies ever registered here, 1,533 are no longer active — a 82% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 59.9% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (73%) 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 971 companies. The area hosts 159 large enterprises, 141 small firms. Peterborough is home to 407 FCA-regulated firms and 163 registered charities. Companies here hold 436 government contracts worth £4.3B in total. The average company age is 7.3 years. The earliest company registration in Peterborough dates back to 1883.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

18,101
Active Companies
22,111
Total Registered
1883
Oldest Company
59.9%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
29%
60%
Pre-1990: 402
1990s: 396
2000s: 1,543
2010s: 6,345
2020s: 13,137

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate971→Buying and selling of own real estate941→Freight transport by road902→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet609→Management consultancy activities other than financial management563→Other business support service activities n.e.c.500→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.461→Development of building projects399→Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles374→Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles363→

Data Signals

Governance
54,7716 src
Financial
36,79610 src
Compliance
11,43118 src
Risk
9,11411 src
quality
2,1485 src
Trade
1,4562 src
growth
5242 src
innovation
3432 src
ESG
3086 src
operational
2131 src
corporate_structure
511 src
regulatory
101 src

Top Companies in Peterborough

ROYAL MENCAP SOCIETY
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 1955275 signals
LAWRENCE DAVID LIMITED
Manufacture of trailers and semi-trailersEst. 197339 signals
THE ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR DEAF PEOPLE
Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.Est. 194840 signals
ROAD HAULAGE ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Activities of professional membership organizationsEst. 194427 signals
CUMMINS GENERATOR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Manufacture of electric motors, generators and transformersEst. 1947100 signals
UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Pre-primary educationEst. 200295 signals
YOURS CLOTHING LIMITED
Retail sale of clothing in specialised storesEst. 199473 signals
KIDNEY RESEARCH UK
Other human health activitiesEst. 196743 signals
JOHN BRADSHAW LIMITED
Manufacture of motor vehiclesEst. 197622 signals
AEBI SCHMIDT UK LIMITED
Sale of other motor vehiclesEst. 1955123 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Peterborough is 7.3 years old. There are 407 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 163 registered charities operate locally.

7.3 yrs
Avg company age
407
FCA regulated
163
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 141 (44%)Medium: 18 (6%)Large: 159 (50%)

Government Investment

Companies in Peterborough have been awarded 436 government contracts with a combined value of £4349.8M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Peterborough?

There are 18,101 active companies registered in Peterborough, out of 22,111 total. 1,533 (7%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Peterborough?

The top industries in Peterborough include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (971 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (941 companies), Freight transport by road (902 companies).

How fast is Peterborough growing as a business hub?

59.9% of currently active companies in Peterborough were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Peterborough?

Our database contains 117,165 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Peterborough. The largest category is Governance with 54,771 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Peterborough?

The oldest company registration in Peterborough 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.