Edinburgh dwarfs Oxford in scale with 56,868 active companies versus 10,814 — a 5.3x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Oxford may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. 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 10,814 in Oxford — 46,054 more.
Oxford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (48.5%) 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, 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 Oxford stands out in Development of building projects and Residents property management.