Belfast VS Cambridge

Belfast and Cambridge are similarly sized business centres with 21,880 and 21,091 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 Business and domestic software development.

Key Figures

Belfast
Active21,880
Total29,438
2020s Growth51.7%
Oldest Co.1869
Cambridge
Active21,091
Total25,303
2020s Growth52.2%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
21,880
21,091
Total Registered
29,438
25,303
Dissolved Companies
4,442
2,816
2020s Growth Rate
517%
522%
BelfastCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

Belfast
Pre-1990
883
1990s
876
2000s
2,627
2010s
8,494
2020s
16,197
Cambridge
Pre-1990
636
1990s
783
2000s
2,491
2010s
7,257
2020s
13,842

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Belfast or Cambridge?

Belfast has 21,880 active companies compared to 21,091 in Cambridge — 789 more.

Which is growing faster, Belfast or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.2%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).

What industries do Belfast and Cambridge have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Belfast is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Other, while Cambridge stands out in Information technology consultancy activities and Other business support service activities n.e.c..