Manchester is the larger business hub with 98,695 active companies, compared to 23,758 in Reading. 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 98,695 active companies compared to 23,758 in Reading — 74,937 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Reading (51.3%).
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 Reading stands out in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities.