Manchester is the larger business hub with 97,213 active companies, compared to 22,454 in Southampton. 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 97,213 active companies compared to 22,454 in Southampton — 74,759 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Southampton (52.6%).
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 Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Southampton stands out in Development of building projects and Freight transport by road.