Are you looking to uncover companies operating in specific industries or niches using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes? The Data City platform makes it easy to search and refine your results, helping you gain valuable insights and streamline your research.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use SIC codes on The Data City platform to find the companies that matter most to you.
SIC code limitations
If you’re not familiar with SIC codes, they’re a longstanding system for classifying a company’s primary economic activity using five-digit codes.
Historically, they’ve been a cornerstone for categorising businesses, but they haven’t kept pace with today’s economy. Emerging industries, like quantum computing or green tech, don’t fit neatly into these static classifications. Despite their limitations, SIC codes still underpin critical decisions in investment, policymaking, and business strategy, particularly in traditional sectors.
This is where The Data City steps in. By combining our advanced Real-Time Industry Classifications (RTICs) with our Real-time Standard Industry Classifications (RSICs), we provide a more accurate and dynamic understanding of the economy.
Our tools empower users to go beyond outdated frameworks, offering real-time insights into both established and emerging industries. Whether you’re identifying key players, conducting competitor analysis, or mapping economic trends, The Data City equips you with the clarity and precision you need.
How to use SIC codes
Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding companies by SIC code using our platform.
1. Search by SIC Code in EXPLORE
The EXPLORE feature allows users to search for companies by applying dynamic filters, including SIC codes.
- Navigate to the EXPLORE tab in The Data City platform.
- Enter a specific SIC code or select it from the available options in the filter menu.
- Combine SIC code searches with additional filters like location, growth rate, or investment activity to refine your results.
Example: Searching for companies in “Software Development” (SIC 62012) within Manchester will yield a comprehensive list of relevant businesses, complete with key details like estimated turnover and employee count.
2. Enhance your search with keywords
SIC codes can sometimes be too broad or not capture emerging industries. With The Data City, you can enhance your SIC code search by adding keyword filters or switching to Real-Time Industrial Classifications (RTICs), which provide more granular insights into emerging sectors.
For example, if “Software Development” doesn’t capture specific niches like AI or blockchain, you can pair the SIC code with keywords or RTICs to discover companies leading in those fields.
3. Smart Search for enhanced context
For users who want to go beyond SIC codes, the Smart Search feature offers a powerful alternative. Input a sentence or concept, such as “blockchain technology providers in fintech,” and let the platform generate a list of relevant companies.
This contextual search complements SIC codes, providing a broader view of companies that may not fit neatly within traditional classifications.
4. Export and Analyse
Once you’ve refined your company list, you can export the data for further analysis or use it to build tailored reports. The export feature supports CSV and other formats, making it easy to integrate insights into your workflows.
Using SIC codes to identify competitors
Let’s say for example a marketing agency based in Leeds wanted to identify potential competitors in the digital marketing space. By searching for companies under SIC code 73110 (“Advertising agencies”) and applying a location filter, they can quickly genera a list of over 1600 businesses in the region.
To dig deeper, they could use RTICs and keywords to find specialised agencies focusing on influencer marketing and social media. This combination of SIC codes and modern tools could give them a competitive edge in understanding the market landscape.
Try it for yourself
Whether you’re mapping an industry, conducting competitive research, or finding leads, The Data City platform offers the tools you need to maximise the value of SIC codes and beyond.
Sign up for a free trial today and discover how real-time data can transform your research and decision-making processes.
