London dwarfs Leeds in scale with 1,025,229 active companies versus 48,337 — a 21.2x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Leeds 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.
London has 1,025,229 active companies compared to 48,337 in Leeds — 976,892 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Leeds (56.0%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. London is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Other, while Leeds stands out in Development of building projects and Other human health activities.