Southampton is the larger business hub with 22,454 active companies, compared to 10,814 in Oxford. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Development of building projects.
Southampton has 22,454 active companies compared to 10,814 in Oxford — 11,640 more.
Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.6%) compared to Oxford (48.5%).
Both cities share these top industries: 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., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Southampton is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Freight transport by road, while Oxford stands out in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company.