Cardiff VS Belfast

Cardiff and Belfast are similarly sized business centres with 26,971 and 21,880 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

Cardiff
Active26,971
Total89,083
2020s Growth57.6%
Oldest Co.1881
Belfast
Active21,880
Total29,437
2020s Growth51.7%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
26,971
21,880
Total Registered
89,083
29,437
Dissolved Companies
36,089
4,449
2020s Growth Rate
576%
517%
CardiffBelfast

Company Formation by Decade

Cardiff
Pre-1990
1,010
1990s
896
2000s
3,511
2010s
23,216
2020s
59,777
Belfast
Pre-1990
883
1990s
876
2000s
2,627
2010s
8,494
2020s
16,196

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Cardiff or Belfast?

Cardiff has 26,971 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 5,091 more.

Which is growing faster, Cardiff or Belfast?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (57.6%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).

What industries do Cardiff and Belfast 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, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other. Cardiff is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.