Belfast and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 21,880 and 21,597 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Belfast has 21,880 active companies compared to 21,597 in Bradford — 283 more.
Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate, Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet. Belfast is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects, while Bradford stands out in Other business support service activities n.e.c. and Other human health activities.