Bristol VS Bradford

Bristol is the larger business hub with 54,684 active companies, compared to 22,036 in Bradford. 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Management consultancy activities other than financial management.

Key Figures

Bristol
Active54,684
Total64,044
2020s Growth48.6%
Oldest Co.1871
Bradford
Active22,036
Total28,298
2020s Growth67.4%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
54,684
22,036
Total Registered
64,044
28,298
Dissolved Companies
3,752
2,343
2020s Growth Rate
486%
674%
BristolBradford

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,558
1990s
2,159
2000s
7,241
2010s
19,972
2020s
31,358
Bradford
Pre-1990
479
1990s
369
2000s
1,414
2010s
6,780
2020s
18,767

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Bradford?

Bristol has 54,684 active companies compared to 22,036 in Bradford — 32,648 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Bradford?

Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Bristol (48.6%).

What industries do Bristol and Bradford have in common?

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. Bristol is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development, while Bradford stands out in Freight transport by road and Other human health activities.