Bristol is the larger business hub with 53,876 active companies, compared to 21,880 in Belfast. 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 Business and domestic software development.
Bristol has 53,876 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 31,996 more.
Belfast has a higher 2020s company formation rate (51.7%) compared to Bristol (48.7%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company. Bristol is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Other and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet.