Bristol is the larger business hub with 54,404 active companies, compared to 11,917 in Exeter. 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 54,404 active companies compared to 11,917 in Exeter — 42,487 more.
Exeter has a higher 2020s company formation rate (49.9%) compared to Bristol (48.5%).
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, Development of building projects, Dormant Company. Bristol is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities, while Exeter stands out in Other service activities n.e.c..