Companies in Portsmouth

United Kingdom|52.9% formed since 2020|9% inactive|Data updated 15 Sept 2026
9,260
Active

9,260 active companies are based in Portsmouth according to Companies House records. Out of 11,380 companies ever registered here, 1,016 are no longer active — a 81% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 52.9% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (65%) 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 678 companies. 78 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Portsmouth is home to 171 FCA-regulated firms and 102 registered charities. Companies here hold 360 government contracts worth £225.4M in total. The average company age is 8.4 years. The earliest company registration in Portsmouth dates back to 1891.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

9,260
Active Companies
11,380
Total Registered
1891
Oldest Company
52.9%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
9%
33%
54%
Pre-1990: 217
1990s: 316
2000s: 973
2010s: 3,708
2020s: 6,002

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate678→Buying and selling of own real estate341→Management consultancy activities other than financial management302→Other business support service activities n.e.c.296→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.272→Development of building projects245→Residents property management241→Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.197→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet172→Other service activities n.e.c.161→

Data Signals

Governance
28,2656 src
Financial
20,08610 src
Compliance
6,19217 src
Risk
4,47211 src
quality
8076 src
Trade
6512 src
growth
4092 src
ESG
2065 src
innovation
1442 src
operational
971 src
corporate_structure
51 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Portsmouth

HARWIN PLC
Manufacture of electronic componentsEst. 195227 signals
WIGHTLINK LIMITED
Sea and coastal passenger water transportEst. 197232 signals
MOUNTJOY LTD
Combined facilities support activitiesEst. 200649 signals
BELL MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED
Other information technology service activitiesEst. 199535 signals
THE GUILDHALL TRUST
Performing artsEst. 201126 signals
PALL EUROPE LIMITED
Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery n.e.c.Est. 2010104 signals
COBRA COFFEE LIMITED
Unlicensed restaurants and cafesEst. 201324 signals
PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS
Activities of sport clubsEst. 199620 signals
KINTO UK LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 1965123 signals
LIQUID FRIDAY LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 2006103 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Portsmouth is 8.4 years old. There are 171 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 102 registered charities operate locally.

8.4 yrs
Avg company age
171
FCA regulated
102
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 83 (52%)Medium: 10 (6%)Large: 68 (42%)

Government Investment

Companies in Portsmouth have been awarded 360 government contracts with a combined value of £225.4M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Portsmouth?

There are 9,260 active companies registered in Portsmouth, out of 11,380 total. 1,016 (9%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Portsmouth?

The top industries in Portsmouth include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (678 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (341 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (302 companies).

How fast is Portsmouth growing as a business hub?

52.9% of currently active companies in Portsmouth were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Portsmouth?

Our database contains 61,336 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Portsmouth. The largest category is Governance with 28,265 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Portsmouth?

The oldest company registration in Portsmouth dates back to 1891, spanning over 135 years of business history.

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