Southampton and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 22,454 and 19,344 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 19,344 in Preston — 3,110 more.
Preston has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.9%) compared to Southampton (52.6%).
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 Residents property management, while Preston stands out in Dormant Company and Other human health activities.