London VS Oxford

London dwarfs Oxford in scale with 1,025,229 active companies versus 10,960 — a 93.5x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Oxford 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
Oxford
Active10,960
Total12,991
2020s Growth48.4%
Oldest Co.1866

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
1,025,229
10,960
Total Registered
1,247,214
12,991
Dissolved Companies
105,021
935
2020s Growth Rate
615%
484%
LondonOxford

Company Formation by Decade

London
Pre-1990
24,214
1990s
27,168
2000s
80,669
2010s
320,805
2020s
775,004
Oxford
Pre-1990
458
1990s
481
2000s
1,492
2010s
4,047
2020s
6,366

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, London or Oxford?

London has 1,025,229 active companies compared to 10,960 in Oxford — 1,014,269 more.

Which is growing faster, London or Oxford?

London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Oxford (48.4%).

What industries do London and Oxford 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 business support service activities n.e.c.. London is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other, while Oxford stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.