Companies in Preston

United Kingdom|54.6% formed since 2020|7% inactive|Data updated 3 Sept 2026
19,733
Active

19,733 active companies are based in Preston according to Companies House records. Out of 24,272 companies ever registered here, 1,725 are no longer active — a 81% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 54.6% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (67%) 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 1,160 companies. The area hosts 217 large enterprises, 153 small firms. Preston is home to 395 FCA-regulated firms and 196 registered charities. Companies here hold 540 government contracts worth £7.0B in total. The average company age is 8.5 years. The earliest company registration in Preston dates back to 1893.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

19,733
Active Companies
24,272
Total Registered
1893
Oldest Company
54.6%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
11%
30%
55%
Pre-1990: 504
1990s: 596
2000s: 2,590
2010s: 7,130
2020s: 13,161

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate1,160→Buying and selling of own real estate808→Management consultancy activities other than financial management705→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet643→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.575→Other business support service activities n.e.c.540→Other service activities n.e.c.483→Dormant Company445→Development of building projects390→Other human health activities362→

Data Signals

Governance
60,2176 src
Financial
40,91011 src
Compliance
12,43818 src
Risk
9,94610 src
quality
1,8146 src
Trade
1,5101 src
growth
6022 src
operational
3891 src
ESG
3625 src
innovation
2232 src
corporate_structure
491 src
regulatory
31 src

Top Companies in Preston

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND EYECARE LIMITED
General medical practice activitiesEst. 201093 signals
HUNTAPAC PRODUCE LIMITED
Growing of vegetables and melons, roots and tubersEst. 197985 signals
E.H.BOOTH & CO.,LIMITED
Retail sale in non-specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominatingEst. 189697 signals
CONLON CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
Development of building projectsEst. 196148 signals
THE BARTON GRANGE GROUP LIMITED
Plant propagationEst. 195835 signals
SPRINGFIELDS FUELS LIMITED
Processing of nuclear fuelEst. 199994 signals
EXPLEO UK LIMITED
Engineering design activities for industrial process and productionEst. 197383 signals
DEAFWAY
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 200122 signals
W.H.BOWKER LIMITED
Freight transport by roadEst. 194183 signals
JAMES HALL AND COMPANY LIMITED
Non-specialised wholesale tradeEst. 197155 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Preston is 8.5 years old. There are 395 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 196 registered charities operate locally.

8.5 yrs
Avg company age
395
FCA regulated
196
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 153 (38%)Medium: 29 (7%)Large: 217 (54%)

Government Investment

Companies in Preston have been awarded 540 government contracts with a combined value of £6955.2M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Preston?

There are 19,733 active companies registered in Preston, out of 24,272 total. 1,725 (7%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Preston?

The top industries in Preston include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (1,160 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (808 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (705 companies).

How fast is Preston growing as a business hub?

54.6% of currently active companies in Preston were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Preston?

Our database contains 128,463 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Preston. The largest category is Governance with 60,217 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Preston?

The oldest company registration in Preston dates back to 1893, spanning over 133 years of business history.

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