Companies in Southampton

United Kingdom|52.7% formed since 2020|8% inactive|Data updated 8 Sept 2026
22,810
Active

22,810 active companies are currently registered in Southampton, a major UK business hub. Out of 28,476 companies ever registered here, 2,318 are no longer active — a 80% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 52.7% 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 1,140 companies. The area hosts 195 large enterprises, 204 small firms. Southampton is home to 489 FCA-regulated firms and 230 registered charities. Companies here hold 924 government contracts worth £3.0B in total. The average company age is 8.9 years. The earliest company registration in Southampton dates back to 1871.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

22,810
Active Companies
28,476
Total Registered
1871
Oldest Company
52.7%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
10%
32%
52%
Pre-1990: 798
1990s: 922
2000s: 2,808
2010s: 8,890
2020s: 14,726

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate1,140→Buying and selling of own real estate920→Residents property management807→Management consultancy activities other than financial management764→Other business support service activities n.e.c.614→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet571→Freight transport by road517→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.482→Development of building projects467→Other service activities n.e.c.464→

Data Signals

Governance
70,4416 src
Financial
47,68711 src
Compliance
15,25118 src
Risk
11,04010 src
quality
1,8216 src
Trade
1,7402 src
innovation
1,1542 src
growth
9942 src
ESG
4576 src
operational
2621 src
corporate_structure
401 src
regulatory
41 src

Top Companies in Southampton

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineeringEst. 2018375 signals
CARNIVAL UK LTD.
Sea and coastal freight water transportEst. 2000106 signals
SOLENT MIND
Other human health activitiesEst. 200034 signals
ORDNANCE SURVEY LIMITED
Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.Est. 2014197 signals
TRUMPF LASER UK LIMITED
Manufacture of optical precision instrumentsEst. 1996116 signals
CLARKE WILLMOTT LLP
Est. 2009103 signals
ADAMS-MOREY LIMITED
Sale of other motor vehiclesEst. 195245 signals
THE SOCIETY OF ST JAMES
Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuseEst. 199543 signals
DENTAID LIMITED
Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and suppliesEst. 199828 signals
TRANT ENGINEERING LIMITED
Construction of utility projects for electricity and telecommunicationsEst. 196387 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Southampton is 8.9 years old. There are 489 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 230 registered charities operate locally.

8.9 yrs
Avg company age
489
FCA regulated
230
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 204 (48%)Medium: 23 (5%)Large: 195 (46%)

Government Investment

Companies in Southampton have been awarded 924 government contracts with a combined value of £3036.3M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Southampton?

There are 22,810 active companies registered in Southampton, out of 28,476 total. 2,318 (8%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Southampton?

The top industries in Southampton include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (1,140 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (920 companies), Residents property management (807 companies).

How fast is Southampton growing as a business hub?

52.7% of currently active companies in Southampton were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Southampton?

Our database contains 150,891 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Southampton. The largest category is Governance with 70,441 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Southampton?

The oldest company registration in Southampton 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.