Sheffield and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 33,780 and 19,655 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.
Sheffield has 33,780 active companies compared to 19,655 in Preston — 14,125 more.
Sheffield has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.8%) compared to Preston (54.6%).
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. Sheffield is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Other service activities n.e.c..