London dwarfs Manchester in scale with 1,006,831 active companies versus 97,198 — a 10.4x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Manchester 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 1,006,831 active companies compared to 97,198 in Manchester — 909,633 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to London (61.5%).
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, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. London is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Other, while Manchester stands out in Dormant Company and Non-specialised wholesale trade.