Manchester VS Glasgow

Manchester and Glasgow are similarly sized business centres with 98,470 and 67,199 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.

Key Figures

Manchester
Active98,470
Total127,799
2020s Growth64.3%
Oldest Co.1871
Glasgow
Active67,199
Total83,875
2020s Growth56.8%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
98,470
67,199
Total Registered
127,799
83,875
Dissolved Companies
12,473
6,991
2020s Growth Rate
643%
568%
ManchesterGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Manchester
Pre-1990
2,404
1990s
2,128
2000s
8,241
2010s
33,044
2020s
80,043
Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,675
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,029
2010s
26,167
2020s
46,922

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Manchester or Glasgow?

Manchester has 98,470 active companies compared to 67,199 in Glasgow — 31,271 more.

Which is growing faster, Manchester or Glasgow?

Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Glasgow (56.8%).

What industries do Manchester and Glasgow have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, 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 Dormant Company and Non-specialised wholesale trade, while Glasgow stands out in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Other.