Companies in Plymouth

United Kingdom|52.1% formed since 2020|8% inactive|Data updated 15 Sept 2026
10,767
Active

10,767 active companies are based in Plymouth according to Companies House records. Out of 13,646 companies ever registered here, 1,129 are no longer active — a 79% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 52.1% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (64%) 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 685 companies. 98 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Plymouth is home to 252 FCA-regulated firms and 157 registered charities. Companies here hold 391 government contracts worth £280.2M in total. The average company age is 9.1 years. The earliest company registration in Plymouth dates back to 1871.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

10,767
Active Companies
13,646
Total Registered
1871
Oldest Company
52.1%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
10%
33%
51%
Pre-1990: 370
1990s: 449
2000s: 1,347
2010s: 4,461
2020s: 6,856

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate685→Residents property management651→Buying and selling of own real estate375→Development of building projects301→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.299→Management consultancy activities other than financial management273→Dormant Company219→Other business support service activities n.e.c.210→Other human health activities190→Take-away food shops and mobile food stands185→

Data Signals

Governance
33,3606 src
Financial
24,88510 src
Compliance
7,48116 src
Risk
5,4009 src
quality
1,1126 src
innovation
7662 src
Trade
6692 src
growth
4282 src
ESG
2486 src
operational
861 src
corporate_structure
201 src
regulatory
51 src

Top Companies in Plymouth

PRINCESS YACHTS LIMITED
Building of pleasure and sporting boatsEst. 1965105 signals
PLYMOUTH MARINE LABORATORY
Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineeringEst. 2001413 signals
FOOT ANSTEY LLP
Est. 2010117 signals
LIVEWELL SOUTHWEST CIC
Hospital activitiesEst. 201140 signals
CDS (SUPERSTORES INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED
Other retail sale in non-specialised storesEst. 199293 signals
PLESSEY SEMICONDUCTORS LIMITED
Manufacture of electronic componentsEst. 200092 signals
HQW AEROSPACE (UK) LIMITED
Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elementsEst. 194866 signals
THEATRE ROYAL (PLYMOUTH) LIMITED
Performing artsEst. 198132 signals
IMPROVING LIVES PLYMOUTH
Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.Est. 199128 signals
ARTEMIS OPTICAL LIMITED
Manufacture of optical precision instrumentsEst. 195224 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Plymouth is 9.1 years old. There are 252 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 157 registered charities operate locally.

9.1 yrs
Avg company age
252
FCA regulated
157
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 96 (49%)Medium: 11 (6%)Large: 87 (45%)

Government Investment

Companies in Plymouth have been awarded 391 government contracts with a combined value of £280.2M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Plymouth?

There are 10,767 active companies registered in Plymouth, out of 13,646 total. 1,129 (8%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Plymouth?

The top industries in Plymouth include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (685 companies), Residents property management (651 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (375 companies).

How fast is Plymouth growing as a business hub?

52.1% of currently active companies in Plymouth were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Plymouth?

Our database contains 74,460 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Plymouth. The largest category is Governance with 33,360 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Plymouth?

The oldest company registration in Plymouth dates back to 1871, spanning over 155 years of business history.

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