Preston and Exeter are similarly sized business centres with 19,733 and 11,979 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.
Preston has 19,733 active companies compared to 11,979 in Exeter — 7,754 more.
Preston has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.6%) compared to Exeter (50.0%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Preston is uniquely strong in Other human health activities and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while Exeter stands out in Information technology consultancy activities and Residents property management.