Birmingham dwarfs Exeter in scale with 85,456 active companies versus 12,315 — a 6.9x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Exeter may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. 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 12,315 in Exeter — 73,141 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) compared to Exeter (49.6%).
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 letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Other human health activities, while Exeter stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.