Birmingham dwarfs Oxford in scale with 85,456 active companies versus 10,814 — a 7.9x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Oxford may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Management consultancy activities other than financial management.
Birmingham has 85,456 active companies compared to 10,814 in Oxford — 74,642 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) compared to Oxford (48.5%).
Both cities share these top industries: 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, Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Freight transport by road, while Oxford stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.