Manchester dwarfs Brighton in scale with 98,695 active companies versus 16,639 — a 5.9x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Brighton 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.
Manchester has 98,695 active companies compared to 16,639 in Brighton — 82,056 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Brighton (47.6%).
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. Manchester is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Non-specialised wholesale trade, while Brighton stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.