Edinburgh VS Cambridge

Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 57,304 active companies, compared to 21,453 in Cambridge. 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.

Key Figures

Edinburgh
Active57,304
Total65,188
2020s Growth38.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Cambridge
Active21,453
Total25,064
2020s Growth52.5%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
57,304
21,453
Total Registered
65,188
25,064
Dissolved Companies
3,007
1,571
2020s Growth Rate
387%
525%
EdinburghCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,071
1990s
1,847
2000s
6,833
2010s
28,437
2020s
26,405
Cambridge
Pre-1990
637
1990s
780
2000s
2,472
2010s
7,274
2020s
13,603

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Cambridge?

Edinburgh has 57,304 active companies compared to 21,453 in Cambridge — 35,851 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.5%) compared to Edinburgh (38.7%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Cambridge have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Other and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cambridge stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..