London dwarfs Cardiff in scale with 1,007,380 active companies versus 27,021 — a 37.3x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Cardiff 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 27,021 in Cardiff — 980,359 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Cardiff (57.7%).
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 service activities n.e.c., while Cardiff stands out in Residents property management.