Manchester dwarfs Oxford in scale with 97,213 active companies versus 10,814 — 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 Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Manchester has 97,213 active companies compared to 10,814 in Oxford — 86,399 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Oxford (48.5%).
Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Non-specialised wholesale trade, while Oxford stands out in Development of building projects and Information technology consultancy activities.