Glasgow VS Edinburgh

Glasgow and Edinburgh are similarly sized business centres with 66,510 and 56,868 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 Management consultancy activities other than financial management.

Key Figures

Glasgow
Active66,510
Total84,577
2020s Growth56.9%
Oldest Co.1871
Edinburgh
Active56,868
Total65,722
2020s Growth38.8%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
66,510
56,868
Total Registered
84,577
65,722
Dissolved Companies
9,576
4,893
2020s Growth Rate
569%
388%
GlasgowEdinburgh

Company Formation by Decade

Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,679
1990s
1,833
2000s
6,029
2010s
26,100
2020s
47,681
Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,066
1990s
1,842
2000s
6,819
2010s
28,409
2020s
26,989

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Glasgow has 66,510 active companies compared to 56,868 in Edinburgh — 9,642 more.

Which is growing faster, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Glasgow has a higher 2020s company formation rate (56.9%) compared to Edinburgh (38.8%).

What industries do Glasgow and Edinburgh have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Glasgow is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Hairdressing and other beauty treatment, while Edinburgh stands out in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company.