Glasgow is the larger business hub with 66,510 active companies, compared to 21,880 in Belfast. 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Glasgow has 66,510 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 44,630 more.
Glasgow has a higher 2020s company formation rate (56.9%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Glasgow is uniquely strong in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.