Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 56,473 active companies, compared to 22,934 in Belfast. 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Dormant Company.
Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 22,934 in Belfast — 33,539 more.
Belfast has a higher 2020s company formation rate (53.6%) compared to Edinburgh (37.7%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities, while Belfast stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects.