Birmingham VS Glasgow

Birmingham and Glasgow are similarly sized business centres with 87,104 and 67,374 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.

Key Figures

Birmingham
Active87,104
Total113,850
2020s Growth63.8%
Oldest Co.1864
Glasgow
Active67,374
Total83,875
2020s Growth56.9%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
87,104
67,374
Total Registered
113,850
83,875
Dissolved Companies
10,946
6,407
2020s Growth Rate
638%
569%
BirminghamGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Birmingham
Pre-1990
2,457
1990s
1,897
2000s
6,966
2010s
29,467
2020s
71,455
Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,675
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,029
2010s
26,167
2020s
46,922

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Birmingham or Glasgow?

Birmingham has 87,104 active companies compared to 67,374 in Glasgow — 19,730 more.

Which is growing faster, Birmingham or Glasgow?

Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.8%) compared to Glasgow (56.9%).

What industries do Birmingham and Glasgow have in common?

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 Glasgow stands out in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Other.