Bristol VS Cambridge

Bristol is the larger business hub with 54,569 active companies, compared to 21,370 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.

Key Figures

Bristol
Active54,569
Total64,037
2020s Growth48.6%
Oldest Co.1871
Cambridge
Active21,370
Total25,057
2020s Growth52.4%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
54,569
21,370
Total Registered
64,037
25,057
Dissolved Companies
4,108
1,829
2020s Growth Rate
486%
524%
BristolCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,558
1990s
2,159
2000s
7,241
2010s
19,970
2020s
31,353
Cambridge
Pre-1990
637
1990s
780
2000s
2,472
2010s
7,271
2020s
13,599

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Cambridge?

Bristol has 54,569 active companies compared to 21,370 in Cambridge — 33,199 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.4%) compared to Bristol (48.6%).

What industries do Bristol and Cambridge have in common?

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..