Research and experimental development on biotechnology Companies in the UK

SIC 72110Professional, scientific and technical activities|163.3% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
4,035
Active

There are 4,035 active companies in the research and experimental development on biotechnology sector in the UK (SIC code 72110). 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 — 4,035 of 4,416 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 163.3% of active businesses incorporated since 2020 — indicating strong recent demand. 98% of companies were formed after 2010, marking this as a sector with predominantly recent entrants. The average company age in this sector is 7.1 years. 148 large companies, 6 medium-sized firms operate in this sector. London leads with 27% of companies in this sector. Companies in this sector hold 289 government contracts valued at £1.4B. The sector's longest-standing company was incorporated in 1914.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

4,035
Active Companies
M
SIC Section
1914
Oldest Company
163.3%
Growth (2020s)
7.1 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 163.3% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
34%
56%
Pre-1990: 34
1990s: 90
2000s: 340
2010s: 1,501
2020s: 2,451

Data Signals

Governance
12,6084 src
Financial
7,06911 src
Compliance
3,07513 src
Risk
2,5037 src
innovation
1,5242 src
Trade
1,3772 src
growth
3013 src
ESG
1685 src
corporate_structure
291 src
quality
233 src
regulatory
11 src

Sector Overview

The research and experimental development on biotechnology sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">0.2% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 7.1 years old. Geographic concentration: 27% in LONDON.

0.2%
Dissolution rate
7.1 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 261 (63%)Medium: 6 (1%)Large: 148 (36%)

Government Activity

Companies in the research and experimental development on biotechnology sector have been awarded 289 government contracts worth £1365.6M in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many research and experimental development on biotechnology companies are there in the UK?

There are 4,035 active companies classified under SIC code 72110 (Research and experimental development on biotechnology) in the UK, out of 4,416 total registered.

What is SIC code 72110?

SIC code 72110 stands for "Research and experimental development on biotechnology". It belongs to Section M — Professional, scientific and technical activities of the UK Standard Industrial Classification.

Where are most research and experimental development on biotechnology companies located?

The largest concentrations are in LONDON (1,095), CAMBRIDGE (301), OXFORD (122).

What is the average age of research and experimental development on biotechnology companies?

The average active research and experimental development on biotechnology company in the UK is 7.1 years old, with the oldest registration dating back to 1914.

What government data is available for research and experimental development on biotechnology companies?

Our database contains 28,678 data signals across 11 categories for active research and experimental development on biotechnology companies. The largest category is Governance with 12,608 signals from 4 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.