Manchester and Bristol are similarly sized business centres with 97,213 and 53,876 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 Business and domestic software development.
Manchester has 97,213 active companies compared to 53,876 in Bristol — 43,337 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Bristol (48.7%).
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 service activities n.e.c., while Bristol stands out in Development of building projects and Information technology consultancy activities.