Leeds and Sheffield are similarly sized business centres with 47,811 and 33,173 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Leeds has 47,811 active companies compared to 33,173 in Sheffield — 14,638 more.
Leeds has a higher 2020s company formation rate (56.0%) compared to Sheffield (54.8%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Leeds is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Residents property management, while Sheffield stands out in Dormant Company and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands.