Manchester is the larger business hub with 97,213 active companies, compared to 21,880 in Belfast. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.
Manchester has 97,213 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 75,333 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).
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, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Manchester is uniquely strong in Non-specialised wholesale trade and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Development of building projects and Other.