Bristol VS Sheffield

Bristol and Sheffield are similarly sized business centres with 53,876 and 33,178 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Bristol
Active53,876
Total64,404
2020s Growth48.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Sheffield
Active33,178
Total42,091
2020s Growth54.8%
Oldest Co.1862

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
53,876
33,178
Total Registered
64,404
42,091
Dissolved Companies
6,145
4,822
2020s Growth Rate
487%
548%
BristolSheffield

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,536
1990s
2,153
2000s
7,217
2010s
19,908
2020s
31,832
Sheffield
Pre-1990
1,193
1990s
1,054
2000s
3,864
2010s
12,330
2020s
23,126

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Sheffield?

Bristol has 53,876 active companies compared to 33,178 in Sheffield — 20,698 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Sheffield?

Sheffield has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.8%) compared to Bristol (48.7%).

What industries do Bristol and Sheffield have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Bristol is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities, while Sheffield stands out in Other human health activities and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet.