Cardiff VS Preston

Cardiff and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 27,021 and 19,344 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

Cardiff
Active27,021
Total89,181
2020s Growth57.7%
Oldest Co.1881
Preston
Active19,344
Total24,404
2020s Growth54.9%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
27,021
19,344
Total Registered
89,181
24,404
Dissolved Companies
36,094
2,849
2020s Growth Rate
577%
549%
CardiffPreston

Company Formation by Decade

Cardiff
Pre-1990
1,011
1990s
896
2000s
3,516
2010s
23,235
2020s
59,849
Preston
Pre-1990
497
1990s
590
2000s
2,569
2010s
7,070
2020s
13,380

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Cardiff or Preston?

Cardiff has 27,021 active companies compared to 19,344 in Preston — 7,677 more.

Which is growing faster, Cardiff or Preston?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (57.7%) compared to Preston (54.9%).

What industries do Cardiff and Preston have in common?

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