Bristol is the larger business hub with 54,684 active companies, compared to 22,892 in Southampton. 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.
Bristol has 54,684 active companies compared to 22,892 in Southampton — 31,792 more.
Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.8%) compared to Bristol (48.6%).
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, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Bristol is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Southampton stands out in Freight transport by road and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet.