Bristol is the larger business hub with 53,876 active companies, compared to 21,091 in Cambridge. 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 21,091 in Cambridge — 32,785 more.
Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.2%) 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, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities. Bristol is uniquely strong in Development of building projects, while Cambridge stands out in Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..