Companies in Sunderland

United Kingdom|63.5% formed since 2020|Data updated 17 Apr 2026
6,241
Active

6,241 active companies are based in Sunderland according to Companies House records. Out of 7,222 companies ever registered here, 20 are no longer active — a 86% survival rate. The area has seen significant recent growth, with 63.5% of active businesses incorporated since 2020. Over half (71%) 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 326 companies. 88 medium and large companies operate here, indicating a significant commercial presence. Sunderland is home to 157 FCA-regulated firms and 94 registered charities. Companies here hold 257 government contracts worth £835.7M in total. The average company age is 6.6 years. The earliest company registration in Sunderland dates back to 1903.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, April 2026

6,241
Active Companies
7,222
Total Registered
1903
Oldest Company
63.5%
Growth (2020s)

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

Incorporation by Decade
28%
62%
Pre-1990: 129
1990s: 134
2000s: 471
2010s: 2,028
2020s: 4,460

Top Industries

Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate326→Buying and selling of own real estate311→Take-away food shops and mobile food stands233→Management consultancy activities other than financial management189→Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet148→Hairdressing and other beauty treatment144→Other human health activities136→Other business support service activities n.e.c.136→Other service activities n.e.c.121→Development of building projects113→

Data Signals

Governance
18,8665 src
Financial
11,26811 src
Compliance
3,91114 src
Risk
2,2919 src
quality
4134 src
Trade
3172 src
growth
2682 src
ESG
2535 src
innovation
732 src
operational
571 src
corporate_structure
441 src
regulatory
31 src

Top Companies in Sunderland

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Other human health activitiesEst. 198453 signals
HAYS TRAVEL LIMITED
Travel agency activitiesEst. 198687 signals
ARRIVA NORTH WEST LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 195397 signals
ARRIVA KENT & SURREY LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 191194 signals
NORTH EAST BUSINESS AND INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED
Other business support service activities n.e.c.Est. 198918 signals
THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED
Passenger rail transport, interurbanEst. 199595 signals
ARRIVA MERSEYSIDE LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 198695 signals
ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 192994 signals
ARRIVA CYMRU LIMITED
Other urban, suburban or metropolitan passenger land transport (not underground, metro or similar)Est. 191992 signals
TOGETHER FOR CHILDREN SUNDERLAND LIMITED
General public administration activitiesEst. 201678 signals

Business Landscape

The average active company in Sunderland is 6.6 years old. There are 157 <Link href="/glossary/fca-financial-conduct-authority">FCA-regulated firms</Link> in the area. 94 registered charities operate locally.

6.6 yrs
Avg company age
157
FCA regulated
94
Charities

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 56 (39%)Medium: 3 (2%)Large: 85 (59%)

Government Investment

Companies in Sunderland have been awarded 257 government contracts with a combined value of £835.7M. See the Top Government Contractors report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many companies are registered in Sunderland?

There are 6,241 active companies registered in Sunderland, out of 7,222 total. 20 (0%) are no longer active.

What are the main industries in Sunderland?

The top industries in Sunderland include Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (326 companies), Buying and selling of own real estate (311 companies), Take-away food shops and mobile food stands (233 companies).

How fast is Sunderland growing as a business hub?

63.5% of currently active companies in Sunderland were incorporated since 2020, indicating strong recent growth.

What data signals are available for companies in Sunderland?

Our database contains 37,764 data signals across 12 categories for active companies in Sunderland. The largest category is Governance with 18,866 signals from 5 sources.

When was the first company registered in Sunderland?

The oldest company registration in Sunderland dates back to 1903, spanning over 123 years of business history.

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