Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 56,868 active companies, compared to 22,454 in Southampton. 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 Management consultancy activities other than financial management.
Edinburgh has 56,868 active companies compared to 22,454 in Southampton — 34,414 more.
Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.6%) compared to Edinburgh (38.8%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, 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, Other service activities n.e.c.. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Southampton stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects.