Belfast and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 21,880 and 19,344 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 19,344 in Preston — 2,536 more.
Preston has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.9%) 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, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Belfast is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Other, while Preston stands out in Other business support service activities n.e.c. and Other human health activities.