Manchester is the larger business hub with 98,826 active companies, compared to 22,432 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.
Manchester has 98,826 active companies compared to 22,432 in Belfast — 76,394 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.4%) compared to Belfast (52.6%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Manchester is uniquely strong in Non-specialised wholesale trade and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.