Sheffield VS Bradford

Sheffield and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 33,780 and 21,964 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.

Key Figures

Sheffield
Active33,780
Total41,794
2020s Growth54.8%
Oldest Co.1862
Bradford
Active21,964
Total28,289
2020s Growth67.4%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
33,780
21,964
Total Registered
41,794
28,289
Dissolved Companies
3,268
2,594
2020s Growth Rate
548%
674%
SheffieldBradford

Company Formation by Decade

Sheffield
Pre-1990
1,203
1990s
1,051
2000s
3,895
2010s
12,390
2020s
22,729
Bradford
Pre-1990
479
1990s
369
2000s
1,414
2010s
6,780
2020s
18,759

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Sheffield or Bradford?

Sheffield has 33,780 active companies compared to 21,964 in Bradford — 11,816 more.

Which is growing faster, Sheffield or Bradford?

Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Sheffield (54.8%).

What industries do Sheffield and Bradford have in common?

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. Sheffield 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 Other service activities n.e.c..