Southampton VS Bradford

Southampton and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 22,872 and 21,988 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 Freight transport by road.

Key Figures

Southampton
Active22,872
Total28,476
2020s Growth52.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Bradford
Active21,988
Total28,289
2020s Growth67.4%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
22,872
21,988
Total Registered
28,476
28,289
Dissolved Companies
2,090
2,466
2020s Growth Rate
527%
674%
SouthamptonBradford

Company Formation by Decade

Southampton
Pre-1990
798
1990s
922
2000s
2,808
2010s
8,890
2020s
14,726
Bradford
Pre-1990
479
1990s
369
2000s
1,414
2010s
6,780
2020s
18,759

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Southampton or Bradford?

Southampton has 22,872 active companies compared to 21,988 in Bradford — 884 more.

Which is growing faster, Southampton or Bradford?

Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.4%) compared to Southampton (52.7%).

What industries do Southampton and Bradford have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Freight transport by road, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Southampton is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects, while Bradford stands out in Other human health activities and Other service activities n.e.c..