Manchester dwarfs Oxford in scale with 98,695 active companies versus 10,971 — a 9.0x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Oxford may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Dormant Company.
Manchester has 98,695 active companies compared to 10,971 in Oxford — 87,724 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Oxford (48.4%).
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 Oxford stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.