Turn this list into pipeline.
Semiconductor Companies in Manchester: 27 Active Firms (2026)
Semiconductor companies around Manchester design, develop and support microelectronic components within a strategically sensitive UK market.
Buying activity tends to sit with engineering, product and technical procurement teams rather than broad corporate software budgets. Around Manchester, the most plausible matches are specialist design houses, embedded-electronics teams, component developers and technical-services firms selling into industrial, communications, defence, automotive, medical, energy and advanced-manufacturing customers. Engagements usually look like R&D projects, design retainers, prototype-to-production support or IP licensing conversations, rather than short self-serve purchases. The matched profile points to compact engineering teams where credibility depends on domain expertise, test capability, reliability requirements and the ability to work inside longer qualification cycles.
Read more
Manchester has a small semiconductor cluster in company-count terms, with 27 active trading companies in this Manchester-area cohort. Its employment footprint is larger than the count suggests: reported headcount across the cohort is 1,358, implying that manufacturing, technical-services or engineering-support businesses sit alongside smaller design and IP-led firms. 1 company reports more than £5M turnover, and 7 have been incorporated since 2022, so the local base appears early-commercial overall, with scale concentrated in a narrow layer rather than spread across a broad population of component manufacturers.
There is no single conduct regulator for UK semiconductor and microelectronics activity, but the market sits inside a strategic-technology policy frame. The National Semiconductor Strategy, led through central government, directs support towards R&D, design and compound semiconductors rather than mass-market fabrication. Acquisition activity can also draw scrutiny under the National Security and Investment Act, where GOV.UK guidance treats some semiconductor-related work within advanced materials as potentially notifiable. Research, development, production, intellectual property, know-how and related services can all matter for that assessment. Firms working on dual-use components or controlled know-how may also need to consider the Strategic Export Control List and associated export-control permissions.
Commercial development appears likely to be uneven. The Manchester cohort looks weighted towards specialist engineering, support and design activity, so growth tends to depend on qualification into customer programmes, export permissions and the ability to move from project revenue into repeatable IP or production work. Scale-up scarcity may persist if capital-intensive manufacturing remains outside the local centre of gravity. At the same time, strategic sensitivity gives credible teams a clearer policy context than ordinary electronics services. Consolidation pressure is plausible where larger industrial or defence buyers want capability, but transaction scrutiny should keep some deals slower and more conditional than in less sensitive software markets.
27
Active firms
2026
7
Recent incorporations
since 2022
1
Above £5M
turnover threshold
Key facts
About 3% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (1 of 27 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
25% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (7 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Certain acquisitions can fall within the National Security and Investment Act regime; GOV.UK guidance identifies 17 sensitive areas where mandatory notification may apply, including semiconductor-related work under Advanced Materials.
Relevant activity may also intersect with the Strategic Export Control List and export-control rules when research, development, production, know-how or related services are transferred cross-border.
A 2024 GOV.UK study identified 623 in-scope UK semiconductor companies, including 210 dedicated semiconductor companies.
WSTS projected the global semiconductor market at $700.9 billion in 2025 and $760.7 billion in 2026.
Top Manchester semiconductor companies
SMARTKEM LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops semiconductor materials and inks used to manufacture organic thin‑film transistors (OTFTs) for flexible electronic devices. Provides electronic design automation tools and access to foundry…
Serves electronics and semiconductor manufacturers, display makers and product development teams working on microLED displays, advanced computer/AI chips, sensors, biosensors and RFID tags.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -21% CAGR over 2y
Location
SANAN LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDevelops and manufactures silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor materials and power devices, including SiC diodes and MOSFETs, used in automotive powertrains, EV charging…
Serves B2B power electronics manufacturers and engineering teams in automotive, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage, industrial equipment, data centres and high-power appliances.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -8% CAGR over 4y
Location
GRAPHENE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsSupplies development‑grade graphene films for research institutions. Produces atomically thin graphitic carbon samples on silicon substrates and in device formats such as Hall bar structures, gas…
Sells to research institutions and laboratory teams working on graphene and nanomaterials, including academic materials science groups and researchers developing microscopy, sensor or electronic…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures industrial embedded computing hardware, including industrial PCs, single board computers, embedded motherboards, system-on-modules, panel PCs, Ethernet switches, network…
Serves B2B OEMs, system integrators and technology teams in industrial automation, transport, medical, retail/kiosk, energy, networking, gaming and smart city/AIoT markets.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 5% CAGR over 4y
Location
LIG NANOWISE LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops super‑resolution optical imaging technology for nanoscale analysis. Designs and manufactures SMAL microsphere lenses, the Nanoro microscope platform, and custom microsphere optics for…
Serves academic research institutions and industrial R&D, engineering, and quality-control teams in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, materials science, and life sciences.
Financial Health
StableStable · -69% CAGR over 4y
Location
Moneta Manchester Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
DIGI LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops and supplies industrial IoT hardware and software, including cellular routers, embedded modules, gateways and device management platforms. Provides connectivity, remote management and…
Serves B2B and public-sector buyers deploying IoT/M2M networks, including enterprises, industrial operators, utilities, healthcare organisations, oil and gas firms, retailers, transport agencies and…
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Silverray Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and manufactures flexible direct‑conversion X‑ray and gamma‑ray detectors and digital X‑ray film using semiconductor nanoparticle ink. Products generate digital images for non‑destructive…
Serves B2B customers in industrial non-destructive testing, including watercraft, aerospace and energy operators inspecting pipes, welds and complex parts, plus radiotherapy teams needing dosimetry…
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
S D A (Magnetics) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
MEV Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides electronics and software design services for industrial systems, including embedded software, FPGA and PCIe hardware design, PCB development, and custom Windows and Linux device drivers.…
Serves B2B engineering and technology teams in defence, nuclear, industrial, non-destructive testing, automotive, construction, CCTV and broadcast TV sectors.
Financial Health
StableStable · -10% CAGR over 4y
Location
ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
L&K OFF-SITE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures semiconductor components including diodes, bipolar transistors, MOSFETs, GaN and SiC power devices, IGBTs, and analog and logic ICs. Supplies components used in automotive electronics,…
Serves B2B electronics manufacturers and design engineers in automotive, industrial, power, mobile, wearables, computing and communications infrastructure markets, including EV charging, photovoltaic…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 7% CAGR over 2y
Location
ENTERPRISE Q EBT LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFabricates and distributes industrial and scientific quartz glass products, including tubes, rods, plates, windows and custom apparatus. Provides glassblowing, machining and laser cutting for…
Serves B2B manufacturers in semiconductor, fibre optic, analytical, solar, UV sterilisation and lamp sectors, plus university and R&D laboratories needing specialist quartz glass components.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
INTEGRATED COMPOUND SEMICONDUCTORS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
VIKING ELECTRONICS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -65% CAGR over 4y
Location
Ilan Electronics Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong · 41% CAGR over 2y
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
SARELINE (EU) LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
HITACHI ASTEMO UK, LTD.
Trajectory
2y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 8% CAGR over 1y
Location
ELTAL LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides custom electronic design and prototyping services, developing embedded microcontroller‑based control systems, firmware, and software. Designs electronic circuits and products to client…
Serves B2B buyers and manufacturers needing custom electronics design, prototyping, embedded MCU, firmware and software support, with stated markets in North America, South America and Eastern Europe.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Ab Industrial Electronics Ltd
Trajectory
1y · 2025–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
MCR ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides subcontract electronics manufacturing and assembly services, including PCB assembly using surface‑mount and through‑hole techniques, cable and harness manufacture, and panel, rack and module…
Serves B2B OEMs and technology manufacturers in vacuum, gas and energy, computing, scientific, medical, environmental, wireless, audio noise cancellation, RF and remote monitoring sectors.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDesigns and develops Internet of Things hardware and software, including single-board computers, sensor and communications gateways, and IoT web platforms. Provides embedded software development,…
Serves B2B organisations in manufacturing, industrial equipment, automotive, energy, smart buildings and asset tracking, including teams developing IoT, embedded systems and connected device…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 10% CAGR over 2y
Location
PLUS OPTO LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsSupplies optoelectronic components and systems for electronic manufacturing, including LED components and displays, LCD modules, LED drivers and controllers, power supplies, single board computers,…
Sells to electronic manufacturers, lighting OEMs and product developers serving commercial lighting, industrial equipment and handheld device applications.
Financial Health
StableStable · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
TENGAI TOURING LTD
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
Unlock all 27 leads
Showing 26 of 27 — +1 more with verified decision-maker contacts, live data, and CRM sync.
How Manchester semiconductor companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Manchester semiconductor and microelectronics firms typically earn revenue from engineering projects, design services, component supply, test and validation work, and licensing of reusable intellectual property. Revenue is less often pure subscription software and more often tied to scoped technical work: feasibility studies, non-recurring engineering fees, milestone-based development, production-support retainers, per-unit component margin or royalties on licensed designs. The product shape can range from embedded electronics and specialist components to design files, firmware, verification evidence and manufacturing support. Gross margin depends on how much of the work is repeatable IP rather than bespoke engineering labour.
Who they sell to
Most firms sell into technical buying groups rather than broad business functions. Typical customers include industrial manufacturers, communications suppliers, defence primes, automotive engineering teams, medical-device developers, energy-equipment makers and advanced-manufacturing businesses. The buyer is often a CTO, head of hardware, engineering director, programme manager, technical procurement lead or quality owner, with finance joining once a design-in or production commitment is likely. Sales cycles tend to be longer than for ordinary software because customers need sampling, qualification, reliability evidence, security checks and supplier approval. Direct technical sales, referrals, RFQs and approved-supplier routes matter more than self-serve funnels.
What they buy
Most semiconductor firms tend to spend on tools and services that protect engineering time and make customer qualification easier. Relevant categories include design automation, simulation, requirements management, test-data capture, lab scheduling, quality management, document control, traceability, component sourcing, ERP or manufacturing-resource planning, and secure collaboration for design files. They may also buy cloud compute for engineering workloads, cyber security, export-control support, patent and IP legal advice, specialist recruitment, technical marketing, and account-based sales support. Physical needs can include test equipment, calibration, prototyping services, environmental testing, clean technical space and outsourced manufacturing support.
Why and how to sell to them
Buying intent tends to appear when a team moves from prototype work into customer qualification, wins a programme with a larger industrial or defence buyer, adds production support, faces an export-control review, or needs tighter evidence for reliability, traceability and security. Leadership hires in engineering, operations or commercial roles can also signal a shift from project-led revenue towards repeatable delivery. Outbound messaging usually lands better when it is specific to technical risk: fewer failed design reviews, clearer documentation, faster supplier approval, protected intellectual property, cleaner handover from R&D to production, or less manual effort in audit-heavy customer programmes.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
Also in Manchester
Related directories
Frequently asked questions
How many semiconductor companies are there in the Manchester?↓
What counts as a semiconductor company in this list?↓
Which are the largest semiconductor companies in the Manchester?↓
What do semiconductor companies in the Manchester actually do?↓
How does Manchester semiconductor compare internationally?↓
How is this list built and how fresh is the data?↓
How big are the typical semiconductor companies in the Manchester?↓
Are these mostly new or established semiconductor companies?↓
What SIC codes does this use?↓
What buying signals should I look for?↓
Push these 27 companies into your pipeline.
Find the right decision-makers, see verified company data, and export your list in seconds.