Performing arts Companies in the UK

SIC 90010Arts, entertainment and recreation|166.9% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
17,834
Active

17,834 active companies in the UK are classified under performing arts (SIC code 90010). This sector falls under Section R — Arts, entertainment and recreation — of the UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sector has a relatively low 0.2% dissolution rate — 17,834 of 19,523 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 166.9% of active businesses incorporated since 2020 — indicating strong recent demand. 97% of companies were formed after 2010, marking this as a sector with predominantly recent entrants. The average company age in this sector is 7.5 years. 92 large companies, 0 medium-sized firms operate in this sector. London leads with 30% of companies in this sector. Companies in this sector hold 71 government contracts valued at £156.7M. The sector's longest-standing company was incorporated in 1905.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

17,834
Active Companies
R
SIC Section
1905
Oldest Company
166.9%
Growth (2020s)
7.5 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 166.9% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
33%
56%
Pre-1990: 374
1990s: 416
2000s: 1,376
2010s: 6,503
2020s: 10,854

Data Signals

Governance
55,3145 src
Financial
30,97411 src
Compliance
11,95413 src
Risk
3,9798 src
Trade
4882 src
ESG
3364 src
quality
2993 src
innovation
1892 src
growth
1312 src
operational
241 src
regulatory
11 src

Sector Overview

The performing arts sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">0.2% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 7.5 years old. Geographic concentration: 30% in LONDON.

0.2%
Dissolution rate
7.5 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 136 (60%)Large: 92 (40%)

Government Activity

Companies in the performing arts sector have been awarded 71 government contracts worth £156.7M in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many performing arts companies are there in the UK?

There are 17,834 active companies classified under SIC code 90010 (Performing arts) in the UK, out of 19,523 total registered.

What is SIC code 90010?

SIC code 90010 stands for "Performing arts". It belongs to Section R — Arts, entertainment and recreation of the UK Standard Industrial Classification.

Where are most performing arts companies located?

The largest concentrations are in LONDON (5,387), MANCHESTER (326), GLASGOW (309).

What is the average age of performing arts companies?

The average active performing arts company in the UK is 7.5 years old, with the oldest registration dating back to 1905.

What government data is available for performing arts companies?

Our database contains 103,689 data signals across 11 categories for active performing arts companies. The largest category is Governance with 55,314 signals from 5 government sources.

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