London dwarfs Bradford in scale with 1,026,508 active companies versus 21,988 — a 46.7x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Bradford may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Management consultancy activities other than financial management.
London has 1,026,508 active companies compared to 21,988 in Bradford — 1,004,520 more.
Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to London (61.5%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate, Other service activities n.e.c.. London is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development, while Bradford stands out in Freight transport by road and Other human health activities.