Birmingham VS Derby

Birmingham is the larger business hub with 87,104 active companies, compared to 21,028 in Derby. 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.

Key Figures

Birmingham
Active87,104
Total113,850
2020s Growth63.8%
Oldest Co.1864
Derby
Active21,028
Total25,292
2020s Growth57.6%
Oldest Co.1867

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
87,104
21,028
Total Registered
113,850
25,292
Dissolved Companies
10,946
1,733
2020s Growth Rate
638%
576%
BirminghamDerby

Company Formation by Decade

Birmingham
Pre-1990
2,457
1990s
1,897
2000s
6,966
2010s
29,467
2020s
71,455
Derby
Pre-1990
467
1990s
545
2000s
2,245
2010s
7,060
2020s
14,592

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Birmingham or Derby?

Birmingham has 87,104 active companies compared to 21,028 in Derby — 66,076 more.

Which is growing faster, Birmingham or Derby?

Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.8%) compared to Derby (57.6%).

What industries do Birmingham and Derby have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Freight transport by road, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Other human health activities and Other service activities n.e.c., while Derby stands out in Development of building projects and Information technology consultancy activities.