Portsmouth, a historic maritime city on the South Coast of England, is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in marine, aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. The city also boasts thriving sectors in health sciences, digital technologies, creative industries, and a vibrant visitor economy.
Whether you’re looking to start, grow or relocate a business, Portsmouth offers a dynamic environment supported by world-class infrastructure, skilled talent, and a collaborative business ecosystem.
Marine and maritime industry in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the UK’s leading marine and maritime hub, located in the Solent region. The city is home to world-renowned research institutions and innovative marine technology companies.
As the historic base of the Royal Navy since 1194, Portsmouth hosts nearly two-thirds of the Navy’s surface fleet, including the flagship aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
Key marine and maritime companies in Portsmouth include:
- BAE Systems
- Babcock International
- L3Harris ASV
- QinetiQ
- CMS2
- Bar Technologies
- Subsea Craft
- Griffon Marine
Aerospace and defence
Portsmouth is a strategic location for the UK aerospace and defence industry, with major employers and manufacturing facilities.
Airbus Defence and Space employs over 1,100 people and operates the UK’s most important base for satellite payload manufacturing.
Other key aerospace and defence companies in Portsmouth:
- H+S Aviation, now part of a global company Standard Aero
- Portsmouth Aviation
- P.T. Industries Ltd (formerly GKN Aerospace)
- Sirius Analysis
All are located within the Airport Industrial Estate, a dedicated business zone for high-tech manufacturing.
Advanced manufacturing and engineering
Portsmouth’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Cluster (PAMAEC) brings together leading companies and the local council to foster innovation and growth.
Cluster members include:
- Airbus
- BAE Systems
- CTS Europe – Kings Award for Enterprise 2026
- Cytiva / Pall Corporation
- H+S Aviation (now part of Standard Aero)
- Harwin
- Nova Systems
- Portsmouth Aviation
- PDL Marine
- Penta Precision
- Unipart Manufacturing
- Red Penguin Marine
- SMR Automotive Mirrors UK
This collaborative network supports R&D, skills development, and supply chain integration across the region.
Health Sciences and Life Sciences
Portsmouth is home to cutting-edge health science companies such as Cytiva and Pall Corporation, contributing to the UK’s growing life sciences sector. The city supports innovation in biotech, medical devices, and diagnostics, with strong links to academic research and clinical trials.
Digital and Creative Industries
Portsmouth’s digital and creative sector is thriving, with companies ranging from game developers to design studios and software firms.
Notable creative and tech companies include:
- Climax Studios (game development)
- Anglepoise (design)
- Medicue (digital health solutions)
- UNI SIM (universal simulations)
- Metaverse VR
- Transalis (e-commerce software)
- Radweb (web development)
- Bell Microsystems (IT)
- City Technology
- I Love Dust (branding and illustration)
- CCIXR The Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (1st in the UK)
The city also hosts the Hotwalls Studios, a unique creative quarter housed in historic fortifications, and the LOOK UP Festival, which has elevated local artists like My Dog Sighs to international fame.
Visitor Economy and Tourism
Portsmouth’s visitor economy supports over 12,000 jobs and attracts millions of tourists annually. The city features world-class museums and sites, including:
- HMS Victory part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy
- The Mary Rose
- The D-Day Story
With attractions like Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, a vibrant seafront, and Victorious Festival (UK’s 4th largest music festival), Portsmouth welcomed 12.4 million visitors last year, generating £24 million for the local economy.
Why choose Portsmouth for business?
Portsmouth offers:
- Strategic location on the South Coast of England
- Access to global markets via Portsmouth International Port
- Benefits of Solent Freeport tax sites
- A skilled workforce and strong academic links
- Collaborative business networks and sector clusters
- Competitive property and infrastructure options