London dwarfs Cambridge in scale with 1,007,380 active companies versus 21,091 — a 47.8x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Cambridge may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.
London has 1,007,380 active companies compared to 21,091 in Cambridge — 986,289 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Cambridge (52.2%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. London is uniquely strong in Other and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cambridge stands out in Dormant Company and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..