Companies in Shetland

United Kingdom|40.9% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
810
Active

810 active companies are registered in Shetland with Companies House. Out of 857 companies ever registered here, 0 are no longer active — a 95% survival rate. Business formation remains steady, with 40.9% of current companies established since 2020. A wave of registrations in the 2010s accounts for 43% of active companies, pointing to a decade of strong entrepreneurial activity. The most common industry sector is other service activities n.e.c., with 94 companies. Shetland is home to 12 FCA-regulated firms. Companies here hold 6 government contracts worth £15.2M in total. The average company age is 10.3 years. The earliest company registration in Shetland dates back to 1942.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

810
Active Companies
857
Total Registered
1942
Oldest Company
40.9%
Growth (2020s)

A diverse local economy with no single sector accounting for more than 15% of businesses.

Incorporation by Decade
12%
40%
41%
Pre-1990: 28
1990s: 25
2000s: 104
2010s: 347
2020s: 353

Data Signals

Governance
2,5803 src
Financial
1,4916 src
Compliance
3817 src
Risk
3458 src
Trade
1002 src
quality
732 src
operational
311 src
growth
71 src
innovation
42 src
ESG
42 src

Business Landscape

The average active company in Shetland is 10.3 years old. There are 12 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 1 registered charities operate locally.

10.3 yrs
Avg company age
12
FCA regulated
1
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 11 (73%)Medium: 2 (13%)Large: 2 (13%)

Government Investment

Companies in Shetland have been awarded 6 government contracts with a combined value of £15.2M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Shetland?

There are 810 active companies registered in Shetland, out of 857 total. 0 (0%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Shetland?

The top industries in Shetland include Other service activities n.e.c. (94 companies), Marine fishing (94 companies), Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (32 companies).

How fast is Shetland growing as a business hub?

40.9% of currently active companies in Shetland were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Shetland?

Our database contains 5,016 data signals across 10 categories for active companies in Shetland. The largest category is Governance with 2,580 signals from 3 sources.

When was the first company registered in Shetland?

The oldest company registration in Shetland dates back to 1942, spanning over 84 years of business history.

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