Birmingham is the larger business hub with 85,456 active companies, compared to 22,454 in Southampton. 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 22,454 in Southampton — 63,002 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) compared to Southampton (52.6%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Freight transport by road, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Other human health activities and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands, while Southampton stands out in Development of building projects and Residents property management.