Companies in Preston

United Kingdom|54.2% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
19,784
Active

19,784 active companies are based in Preston according to Companies House records. Out of 22,698 companies ever registered here, 90 are no longer active — a 87% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 54.2% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (60%) 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 1,082 companies. The area hosts 213 large enterprises, 169 small firms. Preston is home to 395 FCA-regulated firms and 204 registered charities. Companies here hold 558 government contracts worth £7.1B in total. The average company age is 8.4 years. The earliest company registration in Preston dates back to 1893.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

19,784
Active Companies
22,698
Total Registered
1893
Oldest Company
54.2%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
11%
32%
52%
Pre-1990: 500
1990s: 584
2000s: 2,570
2010s: 7,153
2020s: 11,891

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate1,082→Buying and selling of own real estate811→Management consultancy activities other than financial management708→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet610→Other business support service activities n.e.c.571→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.533→Other service activities n.e.c.506→Dormant Company464→Development of building projects391→Other human health activities378→

Data Signals

Governance
60,5996 src
Financial
37,47911 src
Compliance
11,92517 src
Risk
8,18310 src
Trade
1,5671 src
quality
1,0216 src
growth
5892 src
operational
3811 src
ESG
3515 src
innovation
1172 src
corporate_structure
281 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Preston

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND EYECARE LIMITED
General medical practice activitiesEst. 201065 signals
E.H.BOOTH & CO.,LIMITED
Retail sale in non-specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominatingEst. 189696 signals
HUNTAPAC PRODUCE LIMITED
Growing of vegetables and melons, roots and tubersEst. 197980 signals
CONLON CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
Development of building projectsEst. 196144 signals
SPRINGFIELDS FUELS LIMITED
Processing of nuclear fuelEst. 199988 signals
EXPLEO UK LIMITED
Engineering design activities for industrial process and productionEst. 197382 signals
THE BARTON GRANGE GROUP LIMITED
Plant propagationEst. 195829 signals
DEAFWAY
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 200121 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 8.4 years old. There are 395 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 204 registered charities operate locally.

8.4 yrs
Avg company age
395
FCA regulated
204
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 169 (41%)Medium: 29 (7%)Large: 213 (52%)

Government Investment

Companies in Preston have been awarded 558 government contracts with a combined value of £7089.5M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Preston?

There are 19,784 active companies registered in Preston, out of 22,698 total. 90 (0%) 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 (1,082 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (811 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (708 companies).

How fast is Preston growing as a business hub?

54.2% 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 122,242 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Preston. The largest category is Governance with 60,599 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.