Manchester is the larger business hub with 98,153 active companies, compared to 49,027 in Leeds. 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 98,153 active companies compared to 49,027 in Leeds — 49,126 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.2%) compared to Leeds (55.4%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Manchester is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Other service activities n.e.c., while Leeds stands out in Development of building projects and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands.