Southampton and Exeter are similarly sized business centres with 22,454 and 12,315 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 12,315 in Exeter — 10,139 more.
Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.6%) compared to Exeter (49.6%).
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, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Southampton is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while Exeter stands out in Dormant Company and Information technology consultancy activities.