Derby and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 20,977 and 19,636 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.
Derby has 20,977 active companies compared to 19,636 in Preston — 1,341 more.
Derby has a higher 2020s company formation rate (57.5%) compared to Preston (54.5%).
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, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Derby is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Dormant Company and Other human health activities.