Belfast and Northampton are similarly sized business centres with 21,880 and 21,537 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 21,537 in Northampton — 343 more.
Northampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (56.0%) 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, Development of building projects, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Belfast is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Northampton stands out in Freight transport by road and Information technology consultancy activities.