Birmingham is the larger business hub with 85,421 active companies, compared to 21,591 in Bradford. 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 85,421 active companies compared to 21,591 in Bradford — 63,830 more.
Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Birmingham (63.7%).
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 business support service activities n.e.c., Other human health activities. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road, while Bradford stands out in Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles.