Birmingham is the larger business hub with 85,456 active companies, compared to 19,344 in Preston. 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.
Birmingham has 85,456 active companies compared to 19,344 in Preston — 66,112 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) compared to Preston (54.9%).
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 human health activities. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands, while Preston stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.