Manchester dwarfs Exeter in scale with 97,213 active companies versus 12,315 — a 7.9x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Exeter 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 97,213 active companies compared to 12,315 in Exeter — 84,898 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Exeter (49.6%).
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 Business and domestic software development and Non-specialised wholesale trade, while Exeter stands out in Development of building projects and Information technology consultancy activities.