Manchester VS Edinburgh

Manchester and Edinburgh are similarly sized business centres with 98,695 and 57,165 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Dormant Company.

Key Figures

Manchester
Active98,695
Total127,799
2020s Growth64.3%
Oldest Co.1871
Edinburgh
Active57,165
Total65,147
2020s Growth38.7%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
98,695
57,165
Total Registered
127,799
65,147
Dissolved Companies
11,604
3,316
2020s Growth Rate
643%
387%
ManchesterEdinburgh

Company Formation by Decade

Manchester
Pre-1990
2,404
1990s
2,128
2000s
8,241
2010s
33,044
2020s
80,043
Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,061
1990s
1,845
2000s
6,826
2010s
28,424
2020s
26,397

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Manchester or Edinburgh?

Manchester has 98,695 active companies compared to 57,165 in Edinburgh — 41,530 more.

Which is growing faster, Manchester or Edinburgh?

Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Edinburgh (38.7%).

What industries do Manchester and Edinburgh have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Non-specialised wholesale trade, while Edinburgh stands out in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities.