Sheffield and Southampton are similarly sized business centres with 33,805 and 22,872 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 33,805 active companies compared to 22,872 in Southampton — 10,933 more.
Sheffield has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.8%) compared to Southampton (52.7%).
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, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Sheffield is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Other human health activities, while Southampton stands out in Freight transport by road and Residents property management.