Companies in Sunderland

United Kingdom|63% formed since 2020|12% inactive|Data updated 15 Sept 2026
6,224
Active

6,224 active companies are based in Sunderland according to Companies House records. Out of 7,905 companies ever registered here, 954 are no longer active — a 79% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 63% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (80%) of active companies were formed since 2020, making this one of the UK's fastest-growing business locations. The most common industry sector is buying and selling of own real estate, with 333 companies. 96 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Sunderland is home to 162 FCA-regulated firms and 87 registered charities. Companies here hold 243 government contracts worth £837.5M in total. The average company age is 6.8 years. The earliest company registration in Sunderland dates back to 1903.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, September 2026

6,224
Active Companies
7,905
Total Registered
1903
Oldest Company
63%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
26%
64%
Pre-1990: 133
1990s: 132
2000s: 474
2010s: 2,025
2020s: 5,000

Top Industries

Buying and selling of own real estate333→Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate329→Take-away food shops and mobile food stands214→Management consultancy activities other than financial management197→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet164→Hairdressing and other beauty treatment155→Other human health activities126→Other business support service activities n.e.c.126→Other service activities n.e.c.115→Licensed restaurants109→

Data Signals

Governance
18,5826 src
Financial
12,82110 src
Compliance
4,01014 src
Risk
2,83810 src
quality
6895 src
Trade
3262 src
growth
2612 src
ESG
2605 src
innovation
2442 src
corporate_structure
651 src
operational
601 src
regulatory
21 src

Top Companies in Sunderland

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Other human health activitiesEst. 198455 signals
HAYS TRAVEL LIMITED
Travel agency activitiesEst. 198691 signals
ARRIVA NORTH WEST LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 1953105 signals
ARRIVA KENT & SURREY LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 191198 signals
NORTH EAST BUSINESS AND INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 198921 signals
THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED
Passenger rail transport, interurbanEst. 1995101 signals
ARRIVA MERSEYSIDE LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 1986100 signals
ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 192999 signals
ARRIVA CYMRU LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 191997 signals
TOGETHER FOR CHILDREN SUNDERLAND LIMITED
General public administration activitiesEst. 201682 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Sunderland is 6.8 years old. There are 162 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 87 registered charities operate locally.

6.8 yrs
Avg company age
162
FCA regulated
87
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 53 (36%)Medium: 4 (3%)Large: 92 (62%)

Government Investment

Companies in Sunderland have been awarded 243 government contracts with a combined value of £837.5M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Sunderland?

There are 6,224 active companies registered in Sunderland, out of 7,905 total. 954 (12%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Sunderland?

The top industries in Sunderland include Buying and selling of own real estate (333 companies), Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (329 companies), Take-away food shops and mobile food stands (214 companies).

How fast is Sunderland growing as a business hub?

63% of currently active companies in Sunderland were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Sunderland?

Our database contains 40,158 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Sunderland. The largest category is Governance with 18,582 signals from 6 sources.

When was the first company registered in Sunderland?

The oldest company registration in Sunderland dates back to 1903, spanning over 123 years of business history.

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