SIC code 90010 covers performing arts activities in the UK, with 17,834 active companies currently registered. This represents a significant segment of UK business activity. It falls under Section R (Arts, entertainment and recreation) of the UK SIC 2007 classification system, which is used by Companies House to categorise all registered businesses.
See the full industry analysis on the Performing arts industry page.
With a 91% survival rate, this sector shows strong business longevity. Only 32 of 19,523 companies registered under this code have dissolved, well below the UK average. Companies in this sector average 7.5 years old, reflecting a balanced mix of established businesses and newer market participants. Growth has been exceptional recently: 56% of all active companies were formed since 2020, marking this as one of the fastest-expanding classifications. The 2010s contributed another 32%, meaning the vast majority of businesses are relatively new. The leading locations for this sector are LONDON (5,387), MANCHESTER (326), GLASGOW (309), which together account for 34% of active companies.
SIC code 90010 stands for "Performing arts" under the UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 2007) system. It belongs to Section R — Arts, entertainment and recreation. Companies use this code when registering with Companies House to indicate their primary business activity. The code is required for annual confirmation statements and is used by HMRC, ONS, and other government bodies for statistical and regulatory purposes.
There are currently 17,834 active companies registered under SIC code 90010 in the UK, out of 19,523 total registrations. This gives a survival rate of 91%, meaning 9% of companies registered under this code have since dissolved. These figures are based on Companies House data and updated regularly.
The top locations for performing arts companies (SIC 90010) are: LONDON (5,387), MANCHESTER (326), GLASGOW (309), BRISTOL (291), BIRMINGHAM (218). Geographic concentration can reflect local economic conditions, industry clusters, or proximity to key markets and supply chains.
The sector is growing: 56% of currently active SIC 90010 companies were formed since 2020, and 32% during the 2010s. This sustained formation rate indicates ongoing demand for performing arts services in the UK.
Companies classified under SIC 90010 have an average age of 7.5 years. This suggests a balanced sector with both established players and newer entrants. Notable companies include ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA, THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE, GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED.
Related SIC codes within the same division include: 90030 (Artistic creation), 90020 (Support activities to performing arts), 90040 (Operation of arts facilities), 9000 (Sewage and refuse disposal, sanitation and similar activities). Companies may use multiple SIC codes if they operate across several of these related activities. When registering with Companies House, businesses should select the code that best represents their primary activity.
You can search for companies with SIC code 90010 (Performing arts) using UVAGATRON's company explorer, which allows filtering by SIC code, location, and company status. Alternatively, Companies House offers a basic search on their website. Our platform adds risk intelligence, director networks, and signals from 50+ government databases to each company record.
Search, filter, and analyse 17,834 companies classified under this SIC code with AI-powered risk intelligence.
Data sourced from Companies House, HM Land Registry, FCA Register, and 50+ government databases. SIC classification follows the UK Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities 2007 (SIC 2007). Last updated: 2026-04-17.