Birmingham is the larger business hub with 85,456 active companies, compared to 21,880 in Belfast. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Birmingham has 85,456 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 63,576 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) 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. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.