London dwarfs Edinburgh in scale with 1,007,380 active companies versus 56,868 — a 17.7x 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.
London has 1,007,380 active companies compared to 56,868 in Edinburgh — 950,512 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Edinburgh (38.8%).
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.