These English research institutes are predominantly large universities, with a strong focus on higher education and research services. Several institutions, such as UCL, King's College London, and Imperial College London, are based in the capital, while others like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are located in historic university cities. The University of Manchester is known for teaching excellence and research innovation, and the University of Birmingham for its impactful research.
A notable pattern is the concentration of these large research institutions in major English cities. Many were founded in the late 19th or early 20th century, with the exception of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, established in the 11th and 13th centuries respectively. This indicates a long-standing tradition of academic research across the country.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24,678 | ||||
| 2 |
University of Oxfordox.ac.uk
A leading university in various academic disciplines, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and social support while upholding respect and banning hate speech |
23,103 | |||
| 3 |
King's College Londonkcl.ac.uk
Top-ranked university offering world-class education and research, fostering innovation and positive societal impact globally and locally. |
20,705 | |||
| 4 |
University of Cambridgecam.ac.uk
A leading research university with 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, and schools, focused on excellence in education and research |
20,304 | |||
| 5 |
The University of Manchestermanchester.ac.uk
A prestigious university known for teaching excellence, research innovation, and a history of world firsts, with a large global alumni community |
20,294 | |||
| 6 |
Imperial College Londonimperial.ac.uk
Leading university specializing in science, medicine, engineering, and business, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance knowledge and improve health. |
18,233 | |||
| 7 |
University of Birminghambirmingham.ac.uk
A prestigious university with a century-long tradition of innovation and impactful research, shaping great minds and pushing boundaries of knowledge |
14,952 | |||
| 8 |
University of Leedsleeds.ac.uk
A top research university in the UK with a focus on creating knowledge, educating students, and making a positive impact through research and innovation |
14,683 | |||
| 9 |
University of Nottinghamnottingham.ac.uk
A pioneering university with campuses in the UK, China, and Malaysia that aims to transform the lives of its 45,000 students |
12,740 | |||
| 10 |
The University of Sheffieldsheffield.ac.uk
A leading Russell Group university with a diverse community of students and staff, advancing research, partnerships, and global impact in various industries |
11,417 | |||
| 11 |
University of Liverpoolliverpool.ac.uk
A renowned research and innovation center that attracts global students, experts, and partners, shaping lives and the world through collaborations |
10,897 | |||
| 12 |
University of Southamptonsouthampton.ac.uk
A prestigious university in southern England, ranked among the top 100 worldwide and a founding member of the Russell Group |
10,786 | |||
| 13 |
University of Exeterexeter.ac.uk
A leading research-intensive university in the South West of England, offering a diverse range of subjects in a welcoming international environment |
10,489 | |||
| 14 |
Newcastle Universityncl.ac.uk
Research-intensive university, world-class reputation in medicine, science, engineering, social sciences, humanities; providing excellent research-led teaching for high graduate employment rates. |
10,332 | |||
| 15 |
University of Warwickwarwick.ac.uk
Leading university with high academic and research standards, consistently making a global impact through its students, alumni, and staff. |
10,327 | |||
| 16 |
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)lse.ac.uk
A leading university specializing in the social sciences, committed to excellence and innovation in research and education |
9,613 | |||
| 17 |
The Manchester Metropolitan Universitymmu.ac.uk
Provides diverse academic programs, excels in research, promotes social mobility, sustainability, and supports community and business partnerships. |
8,837 | |||
| 18 |
Queen Mary University of Londonqmul.ac.uk
A world-leading research university with over 32,000 students from 170+ nationalities, offering 240+ degree programs and recognized for excellent teaching |
8,803 | |||
| 19 |
University of Yorkyork.ac.uk
A dynamic university conducting groundbreaking research to develop life-saving discoveries and innovative technologies, while inspiring students to think critically and create change |
6,993 | |||
| 20 |
University of Bathbath.ac.uk
A leading UK research university dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through innovation, collaboration with industry, and quality education Located in Bath, UK |
6,784 | |||
| 21 |
University of Leicesterlinktr.ee
A leading company focused on discovery, innovation, and research-inspired education, ranked 22nd in the UK, with a commitment to fostering change #CitizensOfChange |
6,635 | |||
| 22 |
Durham Universitydurham.ac.uk
A UK university providing inspiration and opportunities for a successful community, serving as a key hub regionally and nationally Visit website for career opportunities |
6,609 | |||
| 23 |
University of East Angliauea.ac.uk
Providing diverse undergraduate and postgraduate education, extensive research facilities, cultural events, and top-quality sports and social amenities on campus. |
6,316 | |||
| 24 |
Loughborough Universitylboro.ac.uk
University providing world-class research, excellent student experience, sporting achievements, and enterprise opportunities across campuses in Leicestershire and London. |
6,315 | |||
| 25 |
Northumbria Universitynorthumbria.ac.uk
Research-intensive university fostering innovation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange to empower students and staff for global impact and societal change. |
6,280 | |||
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 |
Birmingham City Universitybcu.ac.uk
Higher education institution offering practice-led courses, industry partnerships, professional accreditations, real-world experience, and impactful research shaping various sectors. |
6,064 | |||
| 27 |
The University of Salfordsalford.ac.uk
Ambitious university with 20,000 students driving local economy and transforming individuals through teaching, research, innovation, and engagement in various fields |
5,864 | |||
| 28 |
University of Plymouthplymouth.ac.uk
Modern university with dynamic culture, high student satisfaction, impactful research, innovation, and commitment to global societal and educational advancement. |
5,745 | |||
| 29 |
University of Portsmouthlinktr.ee
Progressive university with a global impact, partnering with industry and government to create a better future through education and innovation |
5,717 | |||
| 30 |
University of Readingreading.ac.uk
A leading research university in the UK with a focus on sustainability, climate research, and a diverse community of alumni and students |
5,661 | |||
| 31 |
Anglia Ruskin Universityaru.ac.uk
Innovative global university with campuses in UK cities, offering top-ranked courses, industry partnerships, and world-leading research opportunities for students |
5,648 | |||
| 32 |
University of Surreysurrey.ac.uk
Provides diverse undergraduate courses, student support, clubs, and safe accommodation in a vibrant campus environment near London. |
5,511 | |||
| 33 |
Cancer Research UK (CRUK)cancerresearchuk.org
Dedicated to cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, funded by public donations to improve survival and quality of life. |
5,433 | |||
| 34 |
University of Sussexsussex.ac.uk
University offering diverse, research-informed teaching and learning programs with a focus on creativity, intellectual challenge, and inclusivity. |
5,299 | |||
| 35 |
Liverpool John Moores Universityljmu.ac.uk
A dynamic university in the UK with over 28,000 students from 100 countries offering 250 degree courses, committed to equality and inclusion |
5,262 | |||
| 36 |
City St George鈥檚, University of Londoncity.ac.uk
An innovative university in London, transforming lives through education, research, and global impact, with strong ties to business and sustainability |
5,160 | |||
| 37 |
Leeds Beckett Universityleedsbeckett.ac.uk
A modern professional university in Leeds, focused on student success, innovation, and global impact, with a rich history dating back to 1824 |
4,958 | |||
| 38 |
University of Central Lancashireuclan.ac.uk
A university founded in 1828 with a motto of helping individuals reach their full potential, offering state-of-the-art facilities and world-class education |
4,879 | |||
| 39 |
Oxford Brookes Universitybrookes.ac.uk
Leading UK university in Oxford offering diverse courses, research, and services to businesses with strong industry links and a focus on innovation and excellence |
4,862 | |||
| 40 |
De Montfort Universitydmu.ac.uk
University providing inclusive education, career support, sustainability initiatives, and community empowerment to help students achieve professional and personal success. |
4,814 | |||
| 41 |
University of Kentkent.ac.uk
A highly-regarded institution focused on academic programs and research support Learn more at their website |
4,342 | |||
| 42 |
London Business Schoollondon.edu
Top-ranked business school offering MBA and executive education with global presence, diverse faculty, and extensive alumni network. |
4,266 | |||
| 43 |
University of Essexessex.ac.uk
Promoting excellence in education and research, offering research-led teaching and outstanding campus experience Inviting alumni to professional networking opportunities |
4,158 | |||
| 44 |
Aston Universityaston.ac.uk
UK leading university business professions; world-class teaching, research, industry partnerships; founded 1895, university since 1966, internationally recognized |
3,925 | |||
| 45 |
University of Brightonbrighton.ac.uk
A coastal university in Brighton and Eastbourne offering professional courses, apprenticeships, and impactful research for individuals and communities worldwide |
3,912 | |||
| 46 |
University of Wolverhamptonwlv.ac.uk
A university with a long history of providing opportunities for students through a wide range of accredited programs and innovative research |
3,635 | |||
| 47 |
University of Lincolnlincoln.ac.uk
Higher education institution offering top-ranked teaching, impactful research, strong industry partnerships, and a supportive, modern campus environment for students. |
3,631 | |||
| 48 |
Royal Holloway, University of Londonroyalholloway.ac.uk
Research-intensive university with a distinctive history, committed to social purpose, offering news, research, and student life insights. |
3,477 | |||
| 49 |
University of Hullhull.ac.uk
A progressive university in a vibrant city, offering academic excellence and opportunities to tackle the big issues facing humanity Always shaping the future together |
3,458 | |||
| 50 |
UK Health Security Agencywww.gov.uk
The company is an executive agency responsible for planning, preventing, and responding to external health threats at national and global levels |
3,430 | |||
Turn this list into pipeline
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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 12, 2026.
More company lists in England
- The largest companies in England 32,641
- Retail chains in England 2,917
- Manufacturers in England 1,794
- Companies with in-house R&D in England 1,703
- Retail companies in England 1,415
- Hotel and hospitality groups in England 1,273
- Education providers in England 1,081
- Hardware manufacturers in England 1,067
- Wellness and Fitness Services companies in England 1,032
- Critical infrastructure operators in England 1,029
- Hospitality companies in England 1,025
- Family-owned companies in England 1,014
- Distributors and wholesalers in England 938
- Healthcare providers in England 810
- Insurance companies in England 699
- Consumer goods companies in England 671
- Construction companies in England 667
- Hospitals and Health Care companies in England 649
- Public sector organisations in England 638
- Food and beverage companies in England 635
- Food and Beverage Services companies in England 606
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing companies in England 582
- Corporate groups and holding companies in England 578
- Restaurants companies in England 506