Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many UK-based defence companies have dissolved since 2020.

Since 1 January 2020 to 2 June 2026, 842 UK-based defence companies have been dissolved. Defence companies are identified using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 84220. SIC codes are self-reported by companies at incorporation and through confirmation statement filings. As SIC codes are self-reported and not always completed accurately, the figures may not be fully precise. This may not be a company’s only industry classification code, as up to four can be provided. Some companies have been restored to the register; this figure relates only to companies recorded as dissolved during the period.

The net decline in UK-based defence companies is 838, as 4 companies were subsequently restored.