Manchester and Bristol are similarly sized business centres with 98,470 and 54,527 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 98,470 active companies compared to 54,527 in Bristol — 43,943 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Bristol (48.5%).
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 business support service activities n.e.c.. Manchester is uniquely strong in Non-specialised wholesale trade and Other human health activities, while Bristol stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.