Companies in Leeds

United Kingdom|55.9% formed since 2020|10% inactive|Data updated 15 Sept 2026
47,919
Active

47,919 active companies are currently registered in Leeds, a major UK business hub. Out of 60,497 companies ever registered here, 6,113 are no longer active — a 79% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 55.9% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (69%) 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 2,958 companies. The area hosts 887 large enterprises, 740 small firms. Leeds is home to 1,057 FCA-regulated firms and 496 registered charities. Companies here hold 3,667 government contracts worth £11.5B in total. The average company age is 8.3 years. The earliest company registration in Leeds dates back to 1873.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

47,919
Active Companies
60,497
Total Registered
1873
Oldest Company
55.9%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
9%
30%
55%
Pre-1990: 1,759
1990s: 1,547
2000s: 5,314
2010s: 18,096
2020s: 32,974

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate2,958→Buying and selling of own real estate2,851→Management consultancy activities other than financial management1,801→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.1,451→Other business support service activities n.e.c.1,323→Information technology consultancy activities1,301→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet1,134→Development of building projects1,024→Other human health activities974→Residents property management849→

Data Signals

Governance
146,0786 src
Financial
101,24512 src
Compliance
32,31819 src
Risk
28,02611 src
quality
4,3886 src
growth
4,2322 src
Trade
3,5052 src
ESG
1,4996 src
innovation
9602 src
operational
4901 src
corporate_structure
2621 src
regulatory
211 src

Top Companies in Leeds

LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY
First-degree level higher educationEst. 200777 signals
DONCASTERS LIMITED
Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.Est. 193661 signals
ST ANNE'S COMMUNITY SERVICES
Renting and operating of Housing Association real estateEst. 1972159 signals
NG BAILEY LIMITED
Electrical installationEst. 1938108 signals
LANES GROUP LIMITED
SewerageEst. 199969 signals
WALKER MORRIS LLP
Est. 200864 signals
ST. GEMMA'S HOSPICE
Hospital activitiesEst. 199238 signals
LEEDS UNIVERSITY UNION
Activities of other membership organizations n.e.c.Est. 201033 signals
BRENNTAG UK LIMITED
Manufacture of other organic basic chemicalsEst. 2004121 signals
POLYPIPE LIMITED
Manufacture of plastics in primary formsEst. 1973106 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Leeds is 8.3 years old. There are 1,057 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 496 registered charities operate locally.

8.3 yrs
Avg company age
1,057
FCA regulated
496
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 740 (44%)Medium: 62 (4%)Large: 887 (53%)

Government Investment

Companies in Leeds have been awarded 3,667 government contracts with a combined value of £11474.8M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Leeds?

There are 47,919 active companies registered in Leeds, out of 60,497 total. 6,113 (10%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Leeds?

The top industries in Leeds include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (2,958 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (2,851 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (1,801 companies).

How fast is Leeds growing as a business hub?

55.9% of currently active companies in Leeds were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Leeds?

Our database contains 323,024 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Leeds. The largest category is Governance with 146,078 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Leeds?

The oldest company registration in Leeds dates back to 1873, spanning over 153 years of business history.

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