Leicester and Southampton are similarly sized business centres with 41,721 and 22,454 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.
Leicester has 41,721 active companies compared to 22,454 in Southampton — 19,267 more.
Leicester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (58.9%) compared to Southampton (52.6%).
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, Freight transport by road, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Leicester is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Other human health activities, while Southampton stands out in Other service activities n.e.c. and Residents property management.