Edinburgh VS Leeds

Edinburgh and Leeds are similarly sized business centres with 56,868 and 47,811 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Information technology consultancy activities.

Key Figures

Edinburgh
Active56,868
Total65,722
2020s Growth38.8%
Oldest Co.1871
Leeds
Active47,811
Total61,053
2020s Growth56.0%
Oldest Co.1873

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,868
47,811
Total Registered
65,722
61,053
Dissolved Companies
4,893
6,921
2020s Growth Rate
388%
560%
EdinburghLeeds

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,066
1990s
1,842
2000s
6,819
2010s
28,409
2020s
26,989
Leeds
Pre-1990
1,763
1990s
1,542
2000s
5,323
2010s
18,091
2020s
33,521

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Leeds?

Edinburgh has 56,868 active companies compared to 47,811 in Leeds — 9,057 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Leeds?

Leeds has a higher 2020s company formation rate (56.0%) compared to Edinburgh (38.8%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Leeds have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, 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. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Leeds stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects.