Manchester is the larger business hub with 98,695 active companies, compared to 21,400 in Cambridge. 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 98,695 active companies compared to 21,400 in Cambridge — 77,295 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Cambridge (52.4%).
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 Cambridge stands out in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities.