These are some of the largest private equity-backed companies in the United Kingdom, spanning diverse sectors from retail to financial services and software development. Among them are major retailers like Asda, offering career opportunities across various sectors, and Morrisons, which focuses on fresh food and community partnerships. Financial services are represented by Finastra, providing technology solutions for global financial services, and Acuity Analytics, which offers bespoke research and analytics. Software development companies include The Access Group, specializing in business management software, and Sophos, a cybersecurity leader.
A notable pattern among these companies is the concentration of headquarters in London, which hosts Mace (construction), Thomas Cook (travel), Grant Thornton UK (accounting), V.Group (maritime transportation), Domestic & General (financial services), and SLR Consulting (environmental services). Beyond London, other significant headquarters locations include Leeds (Asda), Bradford (Morrisons), Loughborough (The Access Group), and Abingdon (Sophos), indicating a broad distribution across the UK.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 52,216 | ||||
| 2 |
Morrisonsmorrisons.jobs
A team-focused company providing shopping trips, career opportunities, fresh food, and great value for customers, while prioritizing community partnerships and employee well-being |
34,861 | |||
| 3 |
Finastrafinastra.com
Focusing on OPEN Collaboration & Finance, Finastra provides innovative technology solutions for global financial services, promoting financial inclusion and diversity |
12,499 | |||
| 4 |
Macemacegroup.com
Delivery consultancy and construction expertise for iconic buildings, data centres, life science, social infrastructure, and regeneration projects worldwide. |
9,872 | |||
| 5 |
Acuity Analyticsacuityanalytics.com
Provides bespoke research, analytics, and technology solutions to financial services, helping institutions operate efficiently and unlock human capital to drive revenue. |
7,619 | |||
| 6 |
The Access Grouptheaccessgroup.com
It provides business management software solutions for small and mid-sized organizations, enhancing productivity through innovative cloud and AI technologies. |
7,368 | |||
| 7 |
Thomas Cookthomascook.com
A newly revived online travel business under Fosun Tourism Group, focused on providing easy holiday booking solutions with a team of travel and tech experts |
6,149 | |||
| 8 |
Grant Thornton UKgrantthornton.co.uk
Providing assurance, tax, and advisory services through a global network, combining local insight with flexible, client-focused solutions. |
5,972 | |||
| 9 | 5,889 | ||||
| 10 |
Stonegate Groupcareers.stonegatecareers.co.uk
A leading UK pub company with 4,500+ sites nationwide, offering unforgettable experiences, career development, and a focus on teamwork and success |
5,799 | |||
| 11 |
Sophossophos.com
A global cybersecurity leader offering advanced solutions, managed services, and a broad portfolio of technologies to protect organizations from cyberattacks worldwide |
5,498 | |||
| 12 |
Holland & Barretthollandandbarrett.com
Retailer specializing in vitamins, supplements, specialist foods, sports nutrition, and ethical beauty products with expert personalized customer advice. |
4,733 | |||
| 13 |
SLR Consultingslrconsulting.com
Providing expert sustainability consulting and advisory services globally, partnering with clients to solve complex environmental challenges collaboratively. |
4,311 | |||
| 14 |
Domestic & Generaldomesticandgeneral.com
Protection, repair, and care for household appliances including fridges, washing machines, TVs, and boilers, ensuring reliable home operation. |
3,376 | |||
| 15 |
Accelyaw3.accelya.com
A global software provider for airlines, empowering over 200 airlines with innovative solutions to drive growth, enhance customer experience, and control retailing operations |
3,080 | |||
| 16 |
IRIS Software Groupiris.co.uk
Leading provider of integrated software solutions and services to help organizations make better business decisions, minimize admin, and improve efficiency across various industries. |
3,041 | |||
| 17 |
PIB Grouppibgroup.co.uk
A specialist insurance solutions provider in the UK market and beyond, offering commercial and personal lines products through acquisitions and expertise |
3,023 | |||
| 18 |
AllSaintscareers.allsaints.com
A customer-centric global team creating cool clothes, curating all aspects of style in-house Agile, responsible, and focused on customer satisfaction |
2,923 | |||
| 19 |
HBK - Hottinger Brüel & Kjærhbkworld.com
Provides comprehensive testing and data analysis solutions in sound, vibration, reliability, durability, propulsion efficiency, and weighing to accelerate product development. |
2,750 | |||
| 20 |
Azzurri Groupazzurrigroup.co.uk
Hospitality investment platform operating multiple Italian and Mexican restaurant brands, serving millions of meals with focus on quality and experience. |
2,533 | |||
| 21 | 2,440 | ||||
| 22 |
Search Recruitment Groupsearchrecruitmentgroup.com
Global leader in recruitment solutions with decades of experience, offering strategic expertise, honesty, and integrity Committed to empowering clients and candidates for success |
2,310 | |||
| 23 |
Waterstoneswaterstones.com
Leading high street bookseller in UK and Ireland with almost 300 bookshops, offering author events, book clubs, and online platform |
2,284 | |||
| 24 |
Hyve Grouphyve.group
Organizing in-person events, online platforms, and facilitated meetings to connect industry ecosystems and foster community growth and progress. |
2,246 | |||
| 25 |
Loungers ltdloungers.co.uk
A multi-brand hospitality company offering all-day dining experiences in neighborhood café-bars and bar and dining concepts with a focus on community and nostalgia |
2,223 | |||
Want more companies than this list?This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers. | |||||
| 26 |
S&Wswgroup.com
Financial and professional services firm specializing in wealth management, accountancy, tax advisory, and investment management solutions. |
2,218 | |||
| 27 |
Dechradechra.com
Development, manufacture, and sales of high-quality veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products supporting veterinarians worldwide with training and information. |
1,902 | |||
| 28 |
Ocorianocorian.com
A global provider of fund administration, capital markets, corporate, and compliance solutions for various clients, offering expertise, trust, and scale |
1,846 | |||
| 29 |
The Compleat Food Groupcompleatfood.com
Supplier of branded and own-label pastry, bakery, party food, plant-based products, and continental meats to UK retailers and foodservice. |
1,830 | |||
| 30 |
GTAdiscover.hotelbeds.com
Connects travel providers with travel sellers globally via technology platform, increasing reach, revenue, and yield. Offers hotels, transfers, and activities. |
1,800 | |||
| 31 |
ghdghdhair.com
A stylish and innovative company known for its acclaimed range of hair stylers, focused on growth, innovation, and global expansion |
1,772 | |||
| 32 |
Arco: Experts In Safetyarco.co.uk
Providing integrated safety products and services with expert knowledge to help businesses manage and reduce workplace risks effectively. |
1,748 | |||
| 33 | 1,737 | ||||
| 34 |
Misysfinastra.com
It combines Misys and D+H to form a leading fintech company, Finastra, now the third largest in the world. |
1,535 | |||
| 35 |
Zelliszellis.com
A leading provider of payroll, HR, and managed services in the UK and Ireland for large companies, serving millions of employees annually |
1,534 | |||
| 36 |
Euromoney Institutional Investordelinian.com
Global B2B information-services business providing actionable data, analysis, intelligence, and market participant access across multiple international markets. |
1,487 | |||
| 37 |
Synamediasynamedia.com
A trusted provider of video protection, enrichment, and delivery solutions, offering cloud products for launching, monetizing, and scaling services quickly |
1,437 | |||
| 38 |
Kurt Geigerbit.ly
A London-based footwear and accessories retailer promoting creativity, kindness, diversity, and inclusion through statement styles and kindness-driven initiatives globally |
1,435 | |||
| 39 |
Hovis Ltdhovis.co.uk
Production and distribution of bread and bakery products across the UK and Ireland, operating multiple bakeries and a flour mill. |
1,401 | |||
| 40 |
Ideagenideagen.com
Provides best-in-class software and regulatory expertise to highly regulated industries to manage risk and ensure compliance. |
1,386 | |||
| 41 |
George at Asdaasda.jobs
A leading UK fashion retailer focusing on value, online and in-store presence, international sales, and a commitment to creating a joyful work environment |
1,355 | |||
| 42 |
Boldyn Networksmobilitie.com
A US-based telecommunications infrastructure company providing wireless solutions for robust coverage and 5G services at large venues and cities |
1,286 | |||
| 43 | 1,250 | ||||
| 44 |
Score Groupscore-group.com
Provides advanced engineering technology services in valve and emissions management, gas turbines, surface technologies, energy, defence, and aerospace. |
1,229 | |||
| 45 |
BPP Universitybpp.com
University specializing in business, law, accounting, finance, and health degrees with strong professional focus and career preparation. |
1,224 | |||
| 46 |
Miller Insurance Services LLPmiller-insurance.com
Leading independent insurance broking firm providing specialist (re)insurance services internationally, focusing on integrity, expertise, and client trust. |
1,191 | |||
| 47 |
Dobbies Garden Centresdobbies.com
Retail garden centres offering plants, branded products, concessions, restaurants, and community events to promote year-round garden living. |
1,181 | |||
| 48 |
AnyVananyvan.com
AnyVan uses technology and innovation to improve delivery and moving processes, providing efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly services to millions of customers |
1,177 | |||
| 49 |
Cobhamcobham.com
A provider of innovative solutions in various industries, specializing in technology, defense, and communication systems, ensuring reliability and performance |
1,171 | |||
| 50 |
Euro Garages Ltdeg.group
Operating 341 UK forecourts with fuel, convenience stores, and branded food outlets including Starbucks, Subway, and Gregg’s bakeries. |
1,136 | |||
Turn this list into pipeline
Tamtam finds the decision-makers at every company on a list like this one, with verified emails, phone numbers and the buying signals that tell you when to reach out.
How this list is built
Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 15, 2026.
More company lists in the United Kingdom
- The largest companies in the United Kingdom 36,548
- Multinational companies in the United Kingdom 7,458
- Financial services firms in the United Kingdom 3,711
- Financial Services companies in the United Kingdom 3,696
- Retail chains in the United Kingdom 3,289
- Professional services firms in the United Kingdom 2,706
- Software Development companies in the United Kingdom 2,600
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom 2,159
- Companies with in-house R&D in the United Kingdom 1,930
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in the United Kingdom 1,722
- Retail companies in the United Kingdom 1,596
- IT services companies in the United Kingdom 1,583
- Hotel and hospitality groups in the United Kingdom 1,461
- Companies with a mobile app in the United Kingdom 1,411
- Consulting firms in the United Kingdom 1,298
- E-commerce companies in the United Kingdom 1,246
- Hardware manufacturers in the United Kingdom 1,239
- Family-owned companies in the United Kingdom 1,224
- Hospitality companies in the United Kingdom 1,204
- Critical infrastructure operators in the United Kingdom 1,195
- Wellness and Fitness Services companies in the United Kingdom 1,151
- Retail Apparel and Fashion companies in the United Kingdom 1,085
- Subscription businesses in the United Kingdom 1,077
- Distributors and wholesalers in the United Kingdom 1,061