Edinburgh VS York

Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 57,165 active companies, compared to 16,696 in York. 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
Active57,165
Total65,147
2020s Growth38.7%
Oldest Co.1871
York
Active16,696
Total19,024
2020s Growth46.4%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
57,165
16,696
Total Registered
65,147
19,024
Dissolved Companies
3,316
1,048
2020s Growth Rate
387%
464%
EdinburghYork

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,061
1990s
1,845
2000s
6,826
2010s
28,424
2020s
26,397
York
Pre-1990
793
1990s
592
2000s
2,400
2010s
6,099
2020s
8,936

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or York?

Edinburgh has 57,165 active companies compared to 16,696 in York — 40,469 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or York?

York has a higher 2020s company formation rate (46.4%) compared to Edinburgh (38.7%).

What industries do Edinburgh and York 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 York stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects.