London VS Edinburgh

London dwarfs Edinburgh in scale with 1,025,229 active companies versus 57,122 — a 17.9x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Edinburgh may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

London
Active1,025,229
Total1,247,214
2020s Growth61.5%
Oldest Co.1856
Edinburgh
Active57,122
Total65,147
2020s Growth38.6%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
1,025,229
57,122
Total Registered
1,247,214
65,147
Dissolved Companies
105,021
3,444
2020s Growth Rate
615%
386%
LondonEdinburgh

Company Formation by Decade

London
Pre-1990
24,214
1990s
27,168
2000s
80,669
2010s
320,805
2020s
775,004
Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,061
1990s
1,845
2000s
6,826
2010s
28,424
2020s
26,397

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, London or Edinburgh?

London has 1,025,229 active companies compared to 57,122 in Edinburgh — 968,107 more.

Which is growing faster, London or Edinburgh?

London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Edinburgh (38.6%).

What industries do London and Edinburgh have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other. London is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., while Edinburgh stands out in Dormant Company.