Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities Companies in the UK

SIC 72200Professional, scientific and technical activities|242.8% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
2,118
Active

There are 2,118 active companies in the research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities sector in the UK (SIC code 72200). This sector falls under Section M — Professional, scientific and technical activities — of the UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sector has a relatively low 0.3% dissolution rate — 2,118 of 2,288 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 242.8% 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 6.5 years. The sector is heavily concentrated in London, which accounts for 34% of all companies. Companies in this sector hold 362 government contracts valued at £261.0M. The sector's longest-standing company was incorporated in 1879.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

2,118
Active Companies
M
SIC Section
1879
Oldest Company
242.8%
Growth (2020s)
6.5 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 242.8% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
26%
63%
Pre-1990: 25
1990s: 37
2000s: 176
2010s: 598
2020s: 1,452

Data Signals

Governance
6,5065 src
Financial
3,4768 src
Compliance
1,44312 src
Risk
5958 src
growth
3762 src
innovation
1152 src
ESG
824 src
Trade
542 src
quality
313 src
operational
11 src
corporate_structure
11 src

Sector Overview

The research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">0.3% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 6.5 years old. Geographic concentration: 34% in LONDON.

0.3%
Dissolution rate
6.5 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 25 (42%)Medium: 2 (3%)Large: 33 (55%)

Government Activity

Companies in the research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities sector have been awarded 362 government contracts worth £261.0M in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities companies are there in the UK?

There are 2,118 active companies classified under SIC code 72200 (Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities) in the UK, out of 2,288 total registered.

What is SIC code 72200?

SIC code 72200 stands for "Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities". It belongs to Section M — Professional, scientific and technical activities of the UK Standard Industrial Classification.

Where are most research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities companies located?

The largest concentrations are in LONDON (716), CAMBRIDGE (42), MANCHESTER (30).

What is the average age of research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities companies?

The average active research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities company in the UK is 6.5 years old, with the oldest registration dating back to 1879.

What government data is available for research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities companies?

Our database contains 12,680 data signals across 11 categories for active research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities companies. The largest category is Governance with 6,506 signals from 5 government sources.

Research UK Companies with AI

5.9M companies, 50M+ signals from 53 government sources. Risk scores, director networks, entity analysis.

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