Bristol VS Cardiff

Bristol and Cardiff are similarly sized business centres with 54,684 and 30,780 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.

Key Figures

Bristol
Active54,684
Total64,044
2020s Growth48.6%
Oldest Co.1871
Cardiff
Active30,780
Total85,765
2020s Growth61.7%
Oldest Co.1881

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
54,684
30,780
Total Registered
64,044
85,765
Dissolved Companies
3,752
20,690
2020s Growth Rate
486%
617%
BristolCardiff

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,558
1990s
2,159
2000s
7,241
2010s
19,972
2020s
31,358
Cardiff
Pre-1990
1,009
1990s
881
2000s
3,477
2010s
22,956
2020s
56,775

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Cardiff?

Bristol has 54,684 active companies compared to 30,780 in Cardiff — 23,904 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.7%) compared to Bristol (48.6%).

What industries do Bristol and Cardiff 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, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Bristol is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Dormant Company, while Cardiff stands out in Other and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet.