Leeds and Sheffield are similarly sized business centres with 49,027 and 33,989 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 49,027 active companies compared to 33,989 in Sheffield — 15,038 more.
Leeds has a higher 2020s company formation rate (55.4%) compared to Sheffield (54.4%).
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, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Leeds is uniquely strong in Take-away food shops and mobile food stands, while Sheffield stands out in Dormant Company.