Cardiff VS Exeter

Cardiff is the larger business hub with 26,971 active companies, compared to 12,313 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Cardiff
Active26,971
Total89,083
2020s Growth57.6%
Oldest Co.1881
Exeter
Active12,313
Total14,639
2020s Growth49.6%
Oldest Co.1887

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
26,971
12,313
Total Registered
89,083
14,639
Dissolved Companies
36,089
1,275
2020s Growth Rate
576%
496%
CardiffExeter

Company Formation by Decade

Cardiff
Pre-1990
1,010
1990s
896
2000s
3,511
2010s
23,216
2020s
59,777
Exeter
Pre-1990
473
1990s
531
2000s
1,672
2010s
4,643
2020s
7,177

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Cardiff or Exeter?

Cardiff has 26,971 active companies compared to 12,313 in Exeter — 14,658 more.

Which is growing faster, Cardiff or Exeter?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (57.6%) compared to Exeter (49.6%).

What industries do Cardiff and Exeter have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Cardiff is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Other, while Exeter stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.