Glasgow VS Edinburgh

Glasgow and Edinburgh are similarly sized business centres with 66,729 and 56,857 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 Management consultancy activities other than financial management.

Key Figures

Glasgow
Active66,729
Total83,861
2020s Growth56.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Edinburgh
Active56,857
Total65,129
2020s Growth38.5%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
66,729
56,857
Total Registered
83,861
65,129
Dissolved Companies
8,432
4,319
2020s Growth Rate
567%
385%
GlasgowEdinburgh

Company Formation by Decade

Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,675
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,027
2010s
26,167
2020s
46,910
Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,061
1990s
1,845
2000s
6,827
2010s
28,423
2020s
26,379

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Glasgow has 66,729 active companies compared to 56,857 in Edinburgh — 9,872 more.

Which is growing faster, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Glasgow has a higher 2020s company formation rate (56.7%) compared to Edinburgh (38.5%).

What industries do Glasgow and Edinburgh have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Glasgow is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Hairdressing and other beauty treatment, while Edinburgh stands out in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company.