Companies in Canterbury

United Kingdom|52.4% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
6,069
Active

6,069 active companies are based in Canterbury according to Companies House records. Out of 6,660 companies ever registered here, 8 are no longer active — a 91% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 52.4% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (57%) of active companies were formed since 2020, making this one of the UK's fastest-growing business locations. The most common industry sector is other letting and operating of own or leased real estate, with 302 companies. 54 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Canterbury is home to 106 FCA-regulated firms and 100 registered charities. Companies here hold 149 government contracts worth £571.7M in total. The average company age is 8.9 years. The earliest company registration in Canterbury dates back to 1891.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

6,069
Active Companies
6,660
Total Registered
1891
Oldest Company
52.4%
Growth (2020s)

Canterbury is a growth hotspot — over half of its active companies were formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
10%
32%
52%
Pre-1990: 185
1990s: 206
2000s: 671
2010s: 2,148
2020s: 3,450

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate302→Management consultancy activities other than financial management257→Buying and selling of own real estate231→Other business support service activities n.e.c.229→Development of building projects215→Residents property management186→Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.155→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet134→Information technology consultancy activities122→Dormant Company116→

Data Signals

Governance
18,8285 src
Financial
12,32011 src
Compliance
4,20515 src
Risk
2,6388 src
Trade
4612 src
quality
3576 src
growth
1642 src
ESG
1336 src
operational
661 src
innovation
572 src
regulatory
31 src
corporate_structure
21 src

Top Companies in Canterbury

CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY
First-degree level higher educationEst. 2003114 signals
BRETT AGGREGATES LIMITED
Operation of gravel and sand pits; mining of clays and kaolinEst. 1936120 signals
BARRETTS OF CANTERBURY LIMITED
Sale of new cars and light motor vehiclesEst. 193989 signals
ROBERT BRETT & SONS LIMITED
Activities of head officesEst. 192830 signals
PORCHLIGHT
Other accommodationEst. 197428 signals
CANTERBURY GOLF CLUB LIMITED
Operation of sports facilitiesEst. 192721 signals
BRETT LANDSCAPING LIMITED
Operation of gravel and sand pits; mining of clays and kaolinEst. 193898 signals
THE CANTERBURY ACADEMY TRUST
Primary educationEst. 201086 signals
PARKERSTEEL LIMITED
Manufacture of metal structures and parts of structuresEst. 201926 signals
A C HULME AND SONS
Mixed farmingEst. 196421 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Canterbury is 8.9 years old. There are 106 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 100 registered charities operate locally.

8.9 yrs
Avg company age
106
FCA regulated
100
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 73 (57%)Medium: 20 (16%)Large: 34 (27%)

Government Investment

Companies in Canterbury have been awarded 149 government contracts with a combined value of £571.7M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Canterbury?

There are 6,069 active companies registered in Canterbury, out of 6,660 total. 8 (0%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Canterbury?

The top industries in Canterbury include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (302 companies), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (257 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (231 companies).

How fast is Canterbury growing as a business hub?

52.4% of currently active companies in Canterbury were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Canterbury?

Our database contains 39,234 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Canterbury. The largest category is Governance with 18,828 signals from 5 sources.

When was the first company registered in Canterbury?

The oldest company registration in Canterbury dates back to 1891, spanning over 135 years of business history.

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