Southampton and Belfast are similarly sized business centres with 22,454 and 21,880 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.
Southampton has 22,454 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 574 more.
Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.6%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).
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, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Southampton is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company.