Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 56,868 active companies, compared to 21,880 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 Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Edinburgh has 56,868 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 34,988 more.
Belfast has a higher 2020s company formation rate (51.7%) compared to Edinburgh (38.8%).
Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects.