Bristol VS Cardiff

Bristol and Cardiff are similarly sized business centres with 53,876 and 27,021 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
Active53,876
Total64,404
2020s Growth48.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Cardiff
Active27,021
Total89,181
2020s Growth57.7%
Oldest Co.1881

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
53,876
27,021
Total Registered
64,404
89,181
Dissolved Companies
6,145
36,094
2020s Growth Rate
487%
577%
BristolCardiff

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,536
1990s
2,153
2000s
7,217
2010s
19,908
2020s
31,832
Cardiff
Pre-1990
1,011
1990s
896
2000s
3,516
2010s
23,235
2020s
59,849

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Cardiff?

Bristol has 53,876 active companies compared to 27,021 in Cardiff — 26,855 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (57.7%) compared to Bristol (48.7%).

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.