Manchester and Birmingham are similarly sized business centres with 98,695 and 87,104 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Manchester has 98,695 active companies compared to 87,104 in Birmingham — 11,591 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Birmingham (63.8%).
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 human health activities. Manchester is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Non-specialised wholesale trade, while Birmingham stands out in Freight transport by road and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands.