Preston and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 19,679 and 21,988 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Management consultancy activities other than financial management.
Bradford has 21,988 active companies compared to 19,679 in Preston — 2,309 more.
Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Preston (54.6%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other human health activities, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Preston is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects, while Bradford stands out in Freight transport by road and Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles.