Where Portsmouth’s businesses are
The historic naval base and its defence suppliers, Gunwharf Quays, Southsea's independent businesses and the ferry and cross-Channel trade through the port.
Limited company accountants in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth has a naval base and defence supply chain, marine engineering, ferry and tourism businesses, and a large number of small traders.
- Fixed monthly fees
- Free switching
- Online, UK-wide
What does a limited company accountant in Portsmouth do?
Prepares your accounts and Corporation Tax return, files at Companies House, handles VAT and payroll and plans your pay. Ours start at £45.83 + VAT a month.
Business in Portsmouth, by the numbers.
Source: ONS UK Business Counts 2026 and ONS mid-2025 population estimates, via Nomis, 2026.
Businesses
6,095
VAT or PAYE registered businesses in Portsmouth
Micro share
88%
are micro businesses of 0 to 9 staff, against 89% across the UK
Density
29
businesses per 1,000 residents, against 40 across the UK
What the local mix means for your accounts.
Portsmouth
Water supply and waste
Water, waste and recycling businesses are 0.5% of enterprises in Portsmouth. Weighbridge tickets, vehicle costs and contract invoicing are the records we keep tidiest. That is 1.6 times the UK-wide share.
Portsmouth
Construction
Construction is 22% of businesses in Portsmouth (about 1,295 enterprises). That means CIS deductions, retentions and the VAT domestic reverse charge are daily realities here, and each needs to be recorded correctly to avoid cash flow and VAT errors. That is 1.5 times the UK-wide share.
Portsmouth
Wholesale and retail trade
Retail and wholesale firms make up 14% of enterprises in Portsmouth. Till and payout reconciliation, stock and margin by product line, and mixed-rate VAT are the main jobs, whether the sales are in a shop or on a marketplace.
Portsmouth
Professional, scientific and technical
Professional, scientific and technical firms are 12% of businesses in Portsmouth (about 745 enterprises). Consultants and practices here need profit by client, clean director's loan accounts and prompt invoicing more than anything else.
Business in Portsmouth, up close.
Where companies here cluster, what that does to their accounts, and a worked example.
What it means for your Portsmouth company
Portsmouth's defence and maritime sector supports many engineering contractors and supplier companies, alongside a lively hospitality and leisure economy in Southsea. Contractors working on secure sites need clear contracts and IR35 evidence, while hospitality owners deal with tight margins and cash handling.
An illustrative Portsmouth example
A defence-sector contractor working on a naval site wants to know whether her contract is inside IR35. We review the contract and her working practices.
Portsmouth: questions.
Do defence contractors have special IR35 rules?
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The same off-payroll rules apply, but public-sector clients decide status and must give reasons. We review your contract and evidence and challenge a decision where the facts support it.
How much does a limited company accountant cost in Portsmouth?
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Our fixed monthly fees are the same in Portsmouth as anywhere else in the UK: Essential from £45.83 + VAT, Complete from £62.50 + VAT and Growth from £75 + VAT. Final price depends on your turnover and options.
Do you have an accountant in Portsmouth?
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We are an online firm, so a named accountant looks after your Portsmouth company by phone, video, email and WhatsApp. Our offices are in Morden, Croydon, Chelsea, Mitcham for anyone who prefers to meet in person.
Your Portsmouth accounts, handled.
Tell us about your company and we will confirm your fixed fee within one working day.