Preston and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 19,344 and 21,597 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Bradford has 21,597 active companies compared to 19,344 in Preston — 2,253 more.
Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Preston (54.9%).
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 human health activities. Preston is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Dormant Company, while Bradford stands out in Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands.