Birmingham VS Glasgow

Birmingham and Glasgow are similarly sized business centres with 85,456 and 66,510 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
Active85,456
Total115,198
2020s Growth63.7%
Oldest Co.1864
Glasgow
Active66,510
Total84,577
2020s Growth56.9%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
85,456
66,510
Total Registered
115,198
84,577
Dissolved Companies
16,867
9,576
2020s Growth Rate
637%
569%
BirminghamGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Birmingham
Pre-1990
2,478
1990s
1,899
2000s
6,959
2010s
29,426
2020s
72,821
Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,679
1990s
1,833
2000s
6,029
2010s
26,100
2020s
47,681

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Birmingham or Glasgow?

Birmingham has 85,456 active companies compared to 66,510 in Glasgow — 18,946 more.

Which is growing faster, Birmingham or Glasgow?

Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) 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.