London dwarfs Preston in scale with 1,026,508 active companies versus 19,679 — a 52.2x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Preston 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 1,026,508 active companies compared to 19,679 in Preston — 1,006,829 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Preston (54.6%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. London is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.