Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering Companies in the UK

SIC 72190Professional, scientific and technical activities|132.4% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
5,626
Active

There are 5,626 active companies in the other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering sector in the UK (SIC code 72190). This sector falls under Section M — Professional, scientific and technical activities — of the UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sector has a relatively low 0.2% dissolution rate — 5,626 of 6,152 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 132.4% of active businesses incorporated since 2020 — indicating strong recent demand. 82% of companies were formed after 2010, marking this as a sector with predominantly recent entrants. The average company age in this sector is 10.7 years. 202 large companies, 7 medium-sized firms operate in this sector. London leads with 20% of companies in this sector. Companies in this sector hold 737 government contracts valued at £1.1B. The sector's longest-standing company was incorporated in 1889.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

5,626
Active Companies
M
SIC Section
1889
Oldest Company
132.4%
Growth (2020s)
10.7 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 132.4% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
17%
32%
43%
Pre-1990: 197
1990s: 318
2000s: 1,028
2010s: 1,983
2020s: 2,626

Data Signals

Governance
17,9925 src
Financial
11,45110 src
Compliance
4,29014 src
Risk
3,1259 src
innovation
1,9882 src
Trade
1,7572 src
growth
7572 src
ESG
4766 src
quality
463 src
corporate_structure
351 src
operational
91 src
regulatory
51 src

Sector Overview

The other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">0.2% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 10.7 years old. Geographic concentration: 20% in LONDON.

0.2%
Dissolution rate
10.7 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 221 (51%)Medium: 7 (2%)Large: 202 (47%)

Government Activity

Companies in the other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering sector have been awarded 737 government contracts worth £1133.4M in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering companies are there in the UK?

There are 5,626 active companies classified under SIC code 72190 (Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering) in the UK, out of 6,152 total registered.

What is SIC code 72190?

SIC code 72190 stands for "Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering". It belongs to Section M — Professional, scientific and technical activities of the UK Standard Industrial Classification.

Where are most other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering companies located?

The largest concentrations are in LONDON (1,105), CAMBRIDGE (243), EDINBURGH (111).

What is the average age of other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering companies?

The average active other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering company in the UK is 10.7 years old, with the oldest registration dating back to 1889.

What government data is available for other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering companies?

Our database contains 41,931 data signals across 12 categories for active other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering companies. The largest category is Governance with 17,992 signals from 5 government sources.

Research UK Companies with AI

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